Most of the criterias, which the foundation´s decision whether to award a beach with the Blue flag or not is based on, are mandatory. Some of them are more likely to be guidelines, other can be applied just locally. The most important mandatory criterias are listed below: An information panel with the informations about the local ecosystem, water quality and the Blue Flag programme, also including the behavior codex for the visitors, must be placed on the beach. The water quality for swimming is controlled very thoroughly, namely its microbiological, chemical and physical aspects. (water hardness, water discoloration, presence of oils, etc.) The beach, including the surroundings (sidewalks, parking places) must be clean, it is not allowed to have garbage lying around or to camp illegally on the beach. There is a limited access to the beach for dogs, horses and other domestic animals, as they usually are allowed to enter the sidewalks and parking places, but not the sandy part of it, with exception of blind dogs. As far as security is concerned, every beach must be guarded, with available first aid kit and enough rescue workers as well as drinking water and toiletes.

In 2015, 395 greek beaches and 9 harbours were awarded with the Blue flag, what gets Greece the 3rd place in the Blue flag rankings, just after Spain with 578 and Turkey with 436 Blue flag beaches. Today, 63 countries are involved in the Blue flag programme.

 

Resources and other useful links:
http://ec.europa.eu/ourcoast/download.cfm?fileID=1018
http://www.blueflag.global/