Executive Mayor Browen Johnson (centre), flanked by Nosidima Vumindaba, Manager: Parks and Recreation (left), and Cllr Erika Brown, MMC for Community Services (Refuse, Environmental and Parks), together with the George lifeguard team and law enforcement officers at the launch of the 2025/26 Blue Flag summer season at Herold’s Bay.
The George Municipality officially launched its Blue Flag summer season on 1 December 2025 at Herold’s Bay Beach, one of the municipality’s fully accredited Blue Flag beaches. The day also marked the deployment of over 60 lifeguards across George’s beaches and public swimming pools for the festive season.
Executive Mayor Alderman Browen Johnson hoisted the Blue Flag to signal the official start of the season, joined by Executive Deputy Mayor Ald Gert van Niekerk, Cllr Erika Brown (MMC for Community Services: Refuse, Environmental and Parks), Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw, councillors, senior officials, and the 2025/26 lifeguard team.
George proudly maintains three full-status Blue Flag beaches — Wilderness, Herold’s Bay, and Victoria Bay. In addition, Leentjiesklip Beach retains its status as a pilot Blue Flag site. The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor Johnson said: “Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, and Wilderness Beach have once again achieved full Blue Flag status, while Leentjiesklip continues as a valued pilot site. We are thrilled to welcome visitors to our beautiful coastline — George truly is the ultimate summer destination.”
Highlighting the impact of the programme, Mayor Johnson added: “The Blue Flag recognition not only enhances George’s appeal to visitors but also strengthens the local economy. Our continued commitment to this programme reflects our promise of safety, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism.”
“Visitors can look forward to clean, well-maintained facilities, visible safety personnel, and high water-quality standards monitored by independent laboratories,” Mayor Johnson said.
About the Blue Flag Programme The internationally recognised Blue Flag Programme is managed in South Africa by WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Sites must meet 33 stringent criteria covering: • Water quality • Environmental education • Accessibility • Safety and security • Visitor facilities
WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete emphasised the importance of the programme: “Our Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are more than symbols; they’re a promise. Each flag represents South Africa’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”
WESSA conducts regular inspections throughout the season to ensure compliance. Failure to maintain standards may result in the temporary or permanent withdrawal of Blue Flag status. Visitors are urged to comply with beach signage, follow directions from lifeguards and security personnel, and report concerns to the beach manager or WESSA (details displayed on site).
Lifeguard Deployment Lifeguards will be stationed at Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, Wilderness Main Beach, and Leentjiesklip as follows:
1–13 December 2025: * Daily from 09:00–17:00
14 December 2025 – 28 February 2026: * Daily from 07:00–19:00
1 March – 7 April 2026: * Weekends, public holidays, and school holidays only, from 09:00–17:00 * Hours may be extended during good weather at Blue Flag sites.
Additional lifeguard sites (December–January): * Gwaing River Mouth * Wilderness Lagoon * Steps Beach
From 8 April to 30 November 2026, no lifeguards will be on duty at beaches or swimming pools. Strict Blue Flag regulations apply. Dogs and other pets are not permitted on Blue Flag beaches. Non-compliance may result in fines, and repeated violations could jeopardise Blue Flag status.
George Receives Green Coast Award George Municipality is also proud to announce that Gwaing Beach has received the Green Coast Award, recognising excellence in sustainable coastal management and community-led stewardship. This award further strengthens George’s reputation as a leading eco-friendly tourism destination along South Africa’s coastline.
For more information on the Blue Flag Programme and the full list of accredited sites, visit: https://www.wessa.org.za/blue-flag/
Ends.
The George Municipality officially launched its Blue Flag summer season on 1 December 2025 at Herold’s Bay Beach, one of the municipality’s fully accredited Blue Flag beaches. The day also marked the deployment of over 60 lifeguards across George’s beaches and public swimming pools for the festive season.
Executive Mayor Alderman Browen Johnson hoisted the Blue Flag to signal the official start of the season, joined by Executive Deputy Mayor Ald Gert van Niekerk, Cllr Erika Brown (MMC for Community Services: Refuse, Environmental and Parks), Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw, councillors, senior officials, and the 2025/26 lifeguard team.
George proudly maintains three full-status Blue Flag beaches — Wilderness, Herold’s Bay, and Victoria Bay. In addition, Leentjiesklip Beach retains its status as a pilot Blue Flag site. The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor Johnson said: “Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, and Wilderness Beach have once again achieved full Blue Flag status, while Leentjiesklip continues as a valued pilot site. We are thrilled to welcome visitors to our beautiful coastline — George truly is the ultimate summer destination.”
Highlighting the impact of the programme, Mayor Johnson added: “The Blue Flag recognition not only enhances George’s appeal to visitors but also strengthens the local economy. Our continued commitment to this programme reflects our promise of safety, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism.”
“Visitors can look forward to clean, well-maintained facilities, visible safety personnel, and high water-quality standards monitored by independent laboratories,” Mayor Johnson said.
About the Blue Flag Programme The internationally recognised Blue Flag Programme is managed in South Africa by WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Sites must meet 33 stringent criteria covering: • Water quality • Environmental education • Accessibility • Safety and security • Visitor facilities
WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete emphasised the importance of the programme: “Our Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are more than symbols; they’re a promise. Each flag represents South Africa’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”
WESSA conducts regular inspections throughout the season to ensure compliance. Failure to maintain standards may result in the temporary or permanent withdrawal of Blue Flag status. Visitors are urged to comply with beach signage, follow directions from lifeguards and security personnel, and report concerns to the beach manager or WESSA (details displayed on site).
Lifeguard Deployment Lifeguards will be stationed at Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, Wilderness Main Beach, and Leentjiesklip as follows:
1–13 December 2025: * Daily from 09:00–17:00
14 December 2025 – 28 February 2026: * Daily from 07:00–19:00
1 March – 7 April 2026: * Weekends, public holidays, and school holidays only, from 09:00–17:00 * Hours may be extended during good weather at Blue Flag sites.
Additional lifeguard sites (December–January): * Gwaing River Mouth * Wilderness Lagoon * Steps Beach
From 8 April to 30 November 2026, no lifeguards will be on duty at beaches or swimming pools. Strict Blue Flag regulations apply. Dogs and other pets are not permitted on Blue Flag beaches. Non-compliance may result in fines, and repeated violations could jeopardise Blue Flag status.
George Receives Green Coast Award George Municipality is also proud to announce that Gwaing Beach has received the Green Coast Award, recognising excellence in sustainable coastal management and community-led stewardship. This award further strengthens George’s reputation as a leading eco-friendly tourism destination along South Africa’s coastline.
For more information on the Blue Flag Programme and the full list of accredited sites, visit: https://www.wessa.org.za/blue-flag/
Ends.