Northern Cape celebrates cleaner, safer summer with blue flag pilot status in McDougalls Bay

THE Northern Cape has entered the festive season with renewed pride as McDougalls Bay in Port Nolloth officially earns its place in South Africa’s prestigious Blue Flag Programme. The Richtersveld Municipality is celebrating the site’s newly awarded Blue Flag Pilot status, marking a major step forward in promoting clean, safe, and eco-friendly coastal tourism in the province.

The announcement forms part of the national launch of the 2025/26 Blue Flag season, which kicked off on 1 December. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) confirmed this year’s accolades, awarding 50 Full Status Blue Flag beaches, 5 marinas, and 7 sustainable boating operators across the country. McDougalls Bay’s inclusion positions the Northern Cape among South Africa’s world-class coastal custodians.

Building a better beach for summer

With the Pilot status now secured, Richtersveld Municipality is rolling out a series of improvements aimed at meeting the strict Blue Flag criteria, ensuring the beach is not only beautiful but also safe and accessible to all.

Infrastructure upgrades are under way, including new signage to help visitors navigate the beach precinct easily. Ablution facilities are being improved and made more inclusive for persons living with disabilities. Extra staff will be deployed to maintain the facilities during the busy festive period, and residents are encouraged to help safeguard these shared amenities from vandalism.

Cleanliness remains a top priority. Daily cleaning drives will ensure McDougalls Bay maintains the pristine quality required for Blue Flag accreditation. Visitors and locals are urged to use designated bins, avoid littering, and join the fight against illegal dumping and coastal pollution.

Water quality monitoring is being intensified in partnership with Alexkor and the Namakwa District Municipality. Regular samples will be submitted to accredited independent laboratories to ensure safe swimming conditions throughout the season.

Lifeguard services, coordinated with the NSRI, are scheduled to begin in 2026. Until then, beachgoers are asked to exercise caution and obey standard water safety rules.

A milestone for the province

For the Northern Cape, McDougalls Bay’s pilot status represents a shift toward stronger environmental stewardship and increased tourism potential.

“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, emphasising the collaborative effort behind the achievement.

The provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism, along with the Richtersveld Local Municipality, is backing the initiative as part of a broader push to elevate the Northern Cape’s appeal as a summer destination. The Blue Flag Programme, managed globally by the Foundation for Environmental Education, is widely recognised as one of the world’s most trusted eco labels.

Visitors encouraged to play their part

As the summer crowds descend on McDougalls Bay, authorities are calling on visitors to help maintain the high standard required of Blue Flag sites by following beach safety rules, keeping the shoreline clean, and supporting environmental protection efforts.

By raising its first Blue Flag Pilot status, the Northern Cape is not only elevating McDougalls Bay but also strengthening its position as a province committed to clean oceans, safe swimming, and sustainable tourism.

The flag is up, and the future looks bright for the Northern Cape coastline.