Soon it will be time again and the international organization "Foundation for Environmental Education" (F.E.E) will check our beaches once again.
Who will receive the "blue flag" award?
The award is given to beaches, bathing places on inland waters and marinas that have applied for a check and meet the criteria.
What is awarded?
Environmental communication
The award is given to bathing sites that provide their residents and guests with comprehensive information about the environment and thus call for a sensitive approach to nature and the environment. The information is provided on information boards and gives, for example, information about water quality, environmental features on site (e.g. dunes, cliffs, etc.) and safety.
In addition, at least five free environmental activities must be offered per season.
It is no less important to point out the correct disposal of waste, including waste oil and bilge water (water that accumulates in the boat above the keel).
Water quality
Bathing places that apply for the Blue Flag also undergo regular water quality checks. It is not allowed to exceed the limits, which are to be taken every 30 days.
Environmental management & safety
Of course, the greatest importance is attached to the cleanliness of beaches and bathing areas. Therefore, appropriate waste disposal options are evaluated. Also evaluated is whether recreational facilities interfere with or negatively affect nature. The number of sanitary facilities and questions about safety (personnel, emergency plans, first aid facilities) must also be presented.
What do communities need to do for this?
By November 30 of each year, coastal and inland bathing sites and recreational boating marinas can apply in writing for the audit. The application form can be found at http://www.blaue-flagge.de/download.html.
On 9 pages, information on the areas of environmental management, environmental communication, disposal management for (special) waste and wastewater as well as safety aspects must then be provided and substantiated by means of additional documents.
An international jury then decides on the award of the seal of approval.
By the way, the costs for the inspection of a bathing area amount to approx. 1.05,00 € / bathing area.
How long is the quality seal valid?
The quality seal is awarded for one year. Within 5 years repeat applications are to be submitted simplified. The on-site inspection is carried out without prior notice.
Which beaches in Germany have been awarded the blue flag?
In 2022, the following beaches were awarded the blue flag.
Baltic Sea
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Baltic resort Boltenhagen
Baltic resort Kühlungsborn
Bad Doberan / Heiligendamm
Baltic resort Nienhagen
Baltic resort Warnemünde (Markgrafenheide, main beach, west beach)
Baltic resort Graal-Müritz
Baltic resort Wustrow
Baltic resort Ahrenshoop
Baltic resort Prerow
Baltic resort Zingst
Baltic resort Sellin (south beach, main beach)
Baltic resort Baabe
Baltic resort Goehren
Baltic resort Karlshagen (main beach, dune camp)
Baltic resort Trassenheide (main beach, camping site)
Baltic resort Zinnowitz (main beach, fishing beach, sports beach)
Seaside resort Heringsdorf
Seaside resort Bansin
Ahlbeck seaside resort
Vitte Hiddensee
Seaside resort Ückeritz
North Sea
Lower Saxony
Langeoog
Schillig
Hooksiel
Horumersiel
We are curious if the list will be extended in 2023!