Northern Cape’s McDougall’s Bay celebrates Blue Flag Pilot status

PORT NOLLOTH – The Blue Flag Pilot accreditation of McDougall’s Bay in Port Nolloth highlights the Northern Cape’s growing reputation as a clean, safe and welcoming coastal tourism destination.

This achievement forms part of the national launch of the 2025-’26 Blue Flag season, which officially commenced on 1 December, reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to sustainable coastal management and environmental excellence. This year, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) awarded 50 Full Status Blue Flag beaches, five marinas and seven boating operators across the country.

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The Richtersveld Municipality is currently implementing steps to ensure compliance with the criteria for the recently awarded Blue Flag Pilot status. The following measures are being prioritised:

Infrastructure

• New signage is being erected to ensure ease of access to the beach precinct, particularly for first-time tourists unfamiliar with Port Nolloth.
• Ablution facilities are being upgraded to cater for people with disabilities, with staffing during the festive period to maintain hygiene.
• Communities are urged to help prevent vandalism of these shared amenities.

Cleanliness

• A daily cleanliness drive will keep McDougall’s Bay pristine throughout the festive season.
• Citizens and visitors are encouraged to avoid littering, use designated refuse bins and actively support efforts to fight coastal pollution, illegal dumping and littering. This collective responsibility will boost the marketability and competitiveness of McDougall’s Bay as a premier tourist attraction.

Water quality

• In collaboration with strategic partners such as Alexkor and the Namakwa District Municipality, regular water quality testing will be conducted. Samples will be sent to accredited independent institutions to ensure safe swimming conditions.

Lifeguarding

The municipality has engaged the NSRI to secure lifeguards for the beach precinct, with the programme commencing in 2026. In the interim, beach-goers are urged to act responsibly and adhere to normal safety protocols whilst enjoying the facilities.

Visitors to McDougall’s Bay are encouraged to:

• Adhere to beach safety rules
• Keep beaches clean by using refuse bins and avoiding littering
• Support local authorities and tourism partners in maintaining high standards of environmental stewardship

Strategic partnerships

The Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, in partnership with the Richtersveld Municipality, is driving the Blue Flag Programme to strengthen coastal management, enhance visitor safety and position McDougall’s Bay as a flagship summer destination.

Managed locally by Wessa and globally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag Programme is one of the world’s most trusted voluntary eco-labels for beaches, marinas and tourism boats. Each site must meet 33 strict criteria covering water quality, environmental education, accessibility and safety.

“Each Blue Flag site reflects people caring for the Earth, a commitment shared between municipalities, community partners and local tourism operators,” says Cindy-Lee Cloete, Wessa CEO. “Behind every flag is a team working tirelessly to ensure our beaches remain clean, inclusive and environmentally responsible.”

For more information about the Blue Flag Programme and a full list of accredited sites, visit Wessa Blue Flag.

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