The Blue Flag program |
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The Blue Flag program |
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It is not easy for a beach to be awarded the Blue Flag. It must meet 27 strict criteria, which have to do with the cleanliness of the sea and beach, its organization and the safety of its visitors, the protection of nature and environmental education. And even if a beach wins the Blue Flag, it only keeps it that year and must prove that it is worth it for the following year. The inspectors of HSPN and FEEE visit beaches throughout the bathing period and note any problems or shortcomings. Usually a short period of grace is given to correct them, but a beach may temporarily lose its flag for more serious faults, or even permanently. Naturally, it is then more difficult to regain it the following year. |
| Criteria of the program |
 Cleanliness
of sea and beach Clean bathing water,
which is verified by sample measurements every fortnight during the bathing
season No disposal of industrial
and urban effluents, without proper treatment Sufficient rubbish bins,
which are emptied at regular intervals Routine cleaning of
the beach from garbage, cigarette butts etc. |
| Beach organization
and safety of visitors Regular information
to the public about bathing water quality Plans to meet a pollution
emergency, with immediate notification of the public Prohibition of automobiles
and motorcycles on the beach Prohibition of free
camping Sufficient toilet facilities,
with a controlled system of disposal Trained lifeguards on
duty, or immediate access to lifesaving and first-aid equipment and a telephone
in an emergency Care for people with
special needs |
 Protection
of nature and environmental awareness Printed information
and codes of conduct for the beach and surrounding areas with sensitive
natural environment, flora of fauna Beyond just simple information,
the organization of activities which actively promote the natural environment
of the beach and the need to protect it |
| What a visitor of the beach can do |
| Enjoy this beach with the Blue Flag,
but also help us preserve it in good condition. If the beach is worth it, let us know. If you notice shortcomings, please contact the person responsible for the beach, whose name you should find on the Notice Board, near the Blue Flag. If he does not satisfy you, write to us with whatever information you can let us have. Those responsible for beaches, you the visitors and we at HSPN, should together strive to make our Greek beaches ever better. |
The
blue flag is a program of environmental awareness and education which
is run each year, on a large scale, in 21 European countries and other
parts of the world by the