The Blue Flag Programme is a criteria based award for both beaches and marinas. To achieve blue flag status the beach or marina must comply with each mandatory criterion.

How does the Blue Flag Programme work for. . . Beaches?

The award of an International Blue Flag beach is based on compliance with 27 criteria covering the following aspects:

1. Water Quality
2. Environmental Education
3. Environmental Management
4. Safety and Services

Some criteria are imperative whereas others are only guideline. All imperative requirements are mandatory and have to be fulfilled, in addition to a maximum number of guideline criteria also needing to be fulfilled. If some of the imperative criteria are not fulfilled during the season or the conditions change, the Blue Flag will be withdrawn.

Once all the criteria have been fulfilled by the beach operator, which may be a local authority such as the local council or National Trust, the application will be sent to the National Jury. If the application is successful at this stage it will then be sent on to the International Blue Flag Jury where the final decision of awarding the Blue Flag will be taken. Successful applicants will then be awarded the Blue Flag which they can then display on the winning beach.

The beach must also be accessible for unannounced inspection by a FEE representative from TIDY Northern Ireland anytime within the Blue Flag season. The Blue Flag season begins 1^st May and ends 30^th September, the Northern Ireland bathing season runs from 1st July to 31st August.

Blue Flags are only awarded for one season at a time and must be applied for each year.

How does the Blue Flag Programme work for . . . Marinas?

The award of a Blue Flag for marina is based on compliance with 22 criteria covering the aspects:

1. Water Quality
2. Environmental Education and Information
3. Environmental Management
4. Safety and Services

Like the beach criteria, most of the criteria are imperative but some are guideline. Process for the Blue Flag Marina is much the same as with the beaches and if the criteria and if all criteria are not fulfilled or conditions change then the Blue Flag will be withdrawn from the marina.

A Marina with a Blue Flag must be accessible for unannounced inspection by a FEE representative from TIDY Northern Ireland any time within the Blue Flag season. The Blue Flag season begins 1^st May and ends 30^th September.

Similar to beaches, Blue Flags for Marinas are awarded for one season only.

To find out more about the International Blue Flag Programme and the criteria please visit the International Blue Flag Website .