There are 200 Blue Flag Award beaches in the British Isles all of which have met stringent criteria to qualify. The Blue Flag beach award is widely considered the gold standard for beaches. Awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, the Blue Flag is internationally recognised. Whilst most people are aware that Blue Flag certification guarantees the quality of the bathing water this is only part of the criteria. The Blue Flag criteria are divided into four categories with a number of individual targets, these main categories are:
– Environmental, education and information
– Water quality
– Environmental management
– Safety and services
14 Devon beaches were awarded Blue Flag status in 2019 these are; Sandy Bay, Exmouth Town, Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth, Blackpool Sands, Challaborough, Breakwater, Broadsands, Meadfoot, Oddicombe, Preston, Torre Abbey, Croyde and Westward Ho!
Find more information about Blue Flag AwardsÂ