Blue Flags awarded to 20 beaches and nine marinas in Canada for 2023
May 26th, 2023 –
20 beaches and nine marinas have earned the prestigious Blue Flag Canada award this year. Blue Flag is an international award given to beaches and marinas that meet high environmental, safety, and cleanliness standards. Swim Drink Fish became the National Operator of the Blue Flag program in Canada in 2020.
The Blue Flag will be an important symbol for Canadians looking for memorable beach and marina experiences this summer. Last year a record number of Canadians visited Blue Flag destinations where they were able to explore local sites and waters.
This is no better represented than at Parlee Beach in New Brunswick. One of North America’s finest beaches, Parlee boasts the warmest salt water in Canada, and is leading the way in accessible recreation and tourism. In partnership with Ability New Brunswick and funding from the Provincial government, Parlee Beach installed several wheelchair-accessible facilities. As one of Atlantic Canada’s busiest beaches, Parlee is host to a unique Dune ecosystem installed to raise awareness around bank swallow, as part of a collaboration with Shediac Bay Watershed Association. The area is also part of a biophysical survey to identify medicinal or other plant species of importance to Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn.
Share your experience
Make sure to share your adventures this summer at Blue Flags beaches and marinas on social media and take part in the celebrations with the hashtag #BlueFlag, and tag @swimdrinkfish.
2023 Blue Flag Canada beaches and marinas
Parlee Beach (Provincial Park)
Port Burwell Municipal East Beach
Quick facts
Swim Drink Fish became the National Operator for Blue Flag Canada in early 2020.
Swim Drink Fish is a registered charity that uses community science and communications technology to inspire people to know and safeguard their local waters. Learn more at www.swimdrinkfish.ca.
Swim Drink Fish is one of 51 National Operators in the Blue Flag International network.
A single Blue Flag beach can attract more than $2-million in revenue for the surrounding neighbourhood each year. (Source: Determining the Economic Impact of Beaches - Lake Huron Shoreline from Sarnia to Tobermory)
Beach water quality is like weather. It changes every day. Beach monitoring seasons and start dates vary across Canada. Check Swim Guide for the latest updates. For the latest updates, if the Blue Flag is up, then water quality results have passed regional standards.
Anyone interested in applying for Blue Flag Canada certification for 2024 can learn more here.
Links
Foundation for Environmental Education
Contact
To schedule an interview, please contact:
Matt Brown
matt@swimdrinkfish.ca
