When deciding where to go, locals and visitors can choose blue flag beaches, secure in the knowledge that high standards of beach management, water quality and safety and security are guaranteed.

Life savers are also on duty every day during blue flag season (1 December to 31 March from 09:00 – 16:00).

The voluntary blue flag eco-label is given to beaches that meet 14 criteria spanning three aspects of coastal management: water quality, environmental education and information, and safety and services, which include excellent life-saving standards, top-rate parking and sparkling ablution facilities.

South Africa joined the blue flag campaign in 2001 and was the first country outside Europe to participate.

The Western Cape's 17 blue flag beaches are:

Clifton 4th in Cape Town
Camps Bay in Cape Town
Mnandi in Cape Town
Muizenberg in Cape Town
Strandfontein in Cape Town
Llandudno in Cape Town
Silwerstroomstrand in Cape Town
Bikini Beach in Gordons Bay, Cape Town
Hartenbos Beach in Mossel Bay
Santos Beach in Mossel Bay
Kleinmond Beach
Grotto Beach in Hermanus
Hawston Beach, near Hermanus
Lappiesbaai in Stilbaai
Robberg Beach in Plettenberg Bay
Witsand
Keurboomstrand in Plettenberg Bay