Is It Important to Use a Blue Flag Beach?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sean_Thompson]Sean Thompson
When you're looking for a trip to the beach, on holiday or just at home, you'll often discover so called 'blue flag' beaches being mentioned. But what is a blue flag beach, what does it mean, and does it mean you should avoid other beaches? If you're looking for the answer to those questions, you're in the right place?
What are blue flag beaches?
They are beaches which have been given an award to declare their quality. These flags are awarded every 6 months by an international council. The awarded sites are listed on the website, blueflag.org, and are allowed to fly a visible blue flag with the official logo. If a beach has been awarded a blue flag status, it means it complies with several standards of quality and care.
What does the flag mean?
It means that the standards or services below are met or exceeded at the beach awarded the blue flag.
� Environmental education activities are offered.
� Information about bathing water quality is displayed.
� A map of the beach is on display highlighting the relevant facilities.
� A code of conduct is displayed highlighting the appropriate laws and rules.
� The beach is kept clean and natural, and adequate bins are provided.
� No industrial waste or sewage discharges affect the beach area.
� Restrooms, drinking water and first aid equipment are available and well maintained.
� The area is safe with lifeguards and life saving equipment.
� Access to the beach by dogs and other animals is controlled.
Should you avoid other beaches?
It's clear from the above that what the beach which recieved the award provid reassurance of a certain level of standards - so if the points above are important to you then you can head to a blue flag beach with no need to worry. However a beach without a blue flag does not necessarily mean that it lacks the facilities highlighted.
Reasons great beaches may not have the award.
The beach is simply too small to warrant a flag or to be able to fulfil the criteria. For many, a small isolated strip of sand might be the ideal beach retreat. It won't have a blue flag but it could be the greatest beach on earth.
The beach is not in a member country. Not all countries are considered for blue flags, the programme is mainly concentrated in Europe. Other countries and regions may have alternative beach standards.
The beach doesn't have an authority which wishes to apply. The award must be applied for, so smaller beaches, or beaches in areas without competition, may not consider applying. Applications are more likely to come from areas with many beaches, where a specific beach wants to increase tourist visits.
Final conclusions.
The system is a great way for beaches to highlight their great standards, but beaches without the award should not be overlooked, they might have fewer facilities but might provide a more private, peaceful seaside experience.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-It-Important-to-Use-a-Blue-Flag-Beach?&id=6443560] Is It Important to Use a Blue Flag Beach?