WALES’ BLUE FLAG BEACHES
THE most pristine beaches in Wales have been officially revealed. A total of 47 Blue Flags have been awarded this year, at 43 beaches, three marinas and one sustainable boat tour operator - meaning Wales has more Blue Flags per mile than anywhere else in the UK.
The number is up from 45 last year and 44 the year before.
Blue Flags recognise the highest level of cleanliness and water quality has further boosted that reputation.
Among those recognised are some of the country’s most popular summer spots including Rest Bay, Tresaith and Barmouth.
Pembrokeshire is maybe unsurprisingly the county with most flags, 11 in total. Three of Tenby’s beaches alone are among those recognised
Gwynedd follows with eight, while Anglesey has six and Ceredigion five.
Angelsey-based tour operator RibRide Adventure Tours meanwhile also secured a Blue Flag for its sustainable practices.
The firm, based in Porth Daniel, Menai Bridge, offers high speed boat trips around north Wales.
Minister for Environment, Hannah Blythyn said: “We’re lucky in Wales to have some of the world’s finest beaches right here on our doorstep.
“It’s fantastic to see so many of our beaches receiving these awards, which is testament to the work being done by our partners and communities across Wales to keep our beaches and waters clean.
“The Blue Flag is a mark of the high coastal environment standards which is trusted around the globe.
“2018 is Wales’ Year of the Sea and with the Volvo Ocean Race coming to Cardiff next month, this is a great time to show our fantastic coastline to the World.”
A further 19 beaches in Wales have gained the Green Coast Award – recognising the “hidden gems” along our coastline – and a total of 83 beaches have achieved the Seaside Award for their good water quality and facilities.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “Year of the Sea 2018 is the perfect time to celebrate the success of the past 30 years of the Blue Flag programme – and gives us a fantastic opportunity to make the most the fact that we have more Blue Flag beaches per mile than anywhere else in Britain.
“This is a fantastic achievement and a true team effort and shows how Wales is committed to safeguarding our amazing natural assets for visitors and those who live here.”
As well as cleanliness and water quality Blue Flag beaches must run a minimum of five educational activities for the local community and visitors to make people aware of the importance of looking after the natural environment.
2018 marks the 30th anniversary of the Blue Flag programme in Wales.
Cefn Sidan in Carmarthenshire was the only site to achieve Blue Flag status when the programme launched in Wales in 1988.