Delray Beach in Florida Earns Blue Flag Voluntary International Award for Complying with 33 Criteria

This season, Delray Beach in Florida will fly the prestigious Blue Flag designation from across the world for meeting the 33 requirements.

Only two beaches in the entire country received the coveted and uncommon accolade that Delray Beach received for its beach.

The Blue Flag

The international committee granted Florida's Delray Beach Municipal Beach the Blue Flag distinction, which is given to beaches that satisfy several requirements.

The Atlantic Ocean is right outside our door, and Delray Beach is fortunate to have a top-notch beach all to itself, according to Mayor Shelly Petrolia. Petrolia is especially appreciative of the hardworking people who have worked so hard to make sure that the natural beach is secure and accessible, and that beachgoers are aware of our conservation efforts.

One of the most prized voluntary accolades for marinas, beaches, and vessels engaged in sustainable tourism is the Blue Flag.

The European Commission introduced the initiative in Europe in 1987, and South Africa's participation in 2001 led to its expansion outside of Europe.

Beaches must meet 33 strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility requirements to be considered for the prize.

Among the 33 criteria are spreading awareness of the award, maintaining high water quality, and human safety, taking action on environmental concerns, and adhering to laws and regulations, according to the Blue Flag website.

Blue Flag Awardees

According to Blue Flag, there are currently 5,063 beaches, marinas, and tourist's vessels in 51 nations that have received the recognition.

There are only two beaches in the country, with the Delray Beach Municipal Beach being one of them. California's Westward Beach is the other. Beginning in 2021, Blue Flag pilot projects were conducted across the continental United States.

The locations have been putting in a lot of effort for several months to implement and maintain the different criteria to reach award status, according to Annie Mercer, from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. Their employees and communities should be proud of themselves for going above and above US requirements to win worldwide recognition for their sustainable management techniques.

Season Awardee: Delray Beach

The Blue Flag will be flown above Delray Beach Municipal Beach for almost a year, until April 30, 2024. It was raised in a ceremony on May 19.

Every Blue Flag is given out for just one season, according to the Blue Flag website. The program managers may make sure the beaches they are recognizing consistently meet their requirements by renewing the awarding each season, The Palm Beach Post reports.

Delray Beach, in South Palm Beach County, is renowned for being both a top-notch holiday spot and a charming beach town with upscale shops and eateries. No matter where the beachgoer comes from, it is a simple drive because it is conveniently placed directly off I-95. The region resembles an all-inclusive vacation town with plenty of riverfront and beachside lodgings, according to Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority.