There will be several blue flags flying along the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay this summer.
The group Environmental Defence has announced fifteen beaches and three marinas in Ontario have been awarded the Blue Flag.
It signifies each beach, marina and municipality meets 35 strict international standards to protect water quality and the environment.
Sauble Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for a 5th year in a row.
Other Lake Huron beaches include Station Beach in Kincardine, the Bayfield Main Beach and Grand Bend Beach.
The Blue Mountains will have two Blue Flags — at Northwinds Beach Park and at Little River Beach.
And Wasaga Beach Provincial Park will fly the Blue Flag.
The three marinas who will fly the Blue Flag are in Bluewater, Grand Bend and Port Franks.
The group’s Blue Flag Co-ordinator Nick Rolfe says a municipality must have strong environmental and water management practices and things like education programs and life saving equipment to fly the Blue Flag.
Rolfe notes the 15 Flags this year is the highest number yet in Ontario and he is excited about the commitment by communities to the waterfront and environment.
Rolfe tells Bayshore Broadcasting News the benefits from the Blue Flag are endless.
He says the Blue Flag lets people know that beach is clean and safe for swimming.
And Rolfe points out many municipalities use the Blue Flag as a marketing tool to attract more tourists.
For communities who want to fly a Blue Flag — Rolfe says they will work with them and offer advice so that they may fly the Flag in the future.
Goderich has started the program and plans to apply for Blue Flag status at Rotary Cove Beach in the future.
