Ahead of the summer, Keep Wales Tidy has confirmed all the Blue Flag beaches and marinas in Wales for 2024.
A total of 25 blue flags have been awarded across Wales and three of those have been given to three Swansea Council-managed beaches, including Caswell Bay, Langland Bay and Port Eynon. A fourth blue flag has once again been awarded to the city’s main marina as well.
The Blue Flag Award is a world-renowned eco-label trusted by millions around the globe because it means bathing water is of the highest possible quality.
Along with the Blue Flag awards, Bracelet Bay has also received one of 14 Green Coast Awards issued across Wales, in recognition of its untouched and rugged beauty.
The award replaces the Blue Flag award but visitors can be assured that the beach and the water quality at Bracelet Bay are still of Blue Flag quality.
Green Coast recognises ‘hidden gems’ with excellent water quality and unspoiled environment, but without the infrastructure and intensive management generally associated with traditional seaside resorts.
Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Our award-winning beaches are a real asset for the city and a huge draw for visitors and locals alike.
“Gaining and retaining blue flag status takes a lot of time and investment so locals and visitors can enjoy clean, safe and beautiful beaches all year-round. So we are delighted to once again fly the Blue Flags at some of our most iconic Gower beaches.”
Supporting Blue Flag recognition is all part of the council’s continuing commitment to the £500m-a-year tourism industry in Swansea that attracts millions of visitors every year.
Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to see another successful year of Coast Awards here in Wales, with 49 stunning locations recognised among the world’s best.
“Achieving these prestigious awards means meeting rigorous standards put in place to ensure the safe enjoyment of visitors now and in years to come. This success is testament to the hard work of all involved in maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty of our Welsh coastline.”
In recent weeks, the council has also rolled out a team of new seasonal cleansing operatives as well as the installation of barbecue bins at many popular beaches, encouraging visitors to help the Council keep tourist areas clean and litter free.
(Lead image: Swansea Council)
