Three Isle of Wight beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status in the latest list announced by the Keep Britain Tidy Group.  In addition, 10 beaches in total have been given Quality Coast Award (QCA) status.

Sandown and Shanklin beaches have retained their Blue Flag status while for the first time since 2003, Ventnor has been given the prestigious award.

The Isle of Wight beaches that have achieved QCA status are: East Cowes, Springvale, Cowes, Seagrove, Totland, Colwell, Gurnard along with Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor which also achieved Blue Flag status. 

The beach at Ryde East has not retained its Blue Flag status. The council did not enter the beach into the awards as an Environment Agency test had indicated it  did not meet the criteria for water quality  in 2007.

One of the main criterion that needs to be met to achieve Blue Flag status is the provision of full time lifeguards. It was this that in previous years had meant Ventnor could not be entered for a Flag. In 2007, Isle of Wight Council made funding available to provide lifeguards who are on duty between May and September each year.

Isle of Wight Council Director of Environment Stuart Love said

“We know the Isle of Wight has some of the best beaches in the UK when it comes to quality both on and off the sand. This is very good news just as we head into the main tourism season, and it further enhances the Island’s reputation as a top holiday destination”

Isle of Wight Council Leader David Pugh said

“It is disappointing we were not able to Ryde East for Blue Flag status but we have no control over the quality of bathing water last year.

Recent tests at Ryde have shown the quality of the bathing water exceeds standard UK guidelines  this year, however it would not have qualified for a Blue Flag as it is the previous year’s water quality which is considered.

However, we should not ignore the fact that we have gained a Blue Flag at Ventnor while retaining the flags at Sandown and Shanklin. This in itself is a wonderful achievement and means the Isle of Wight is still one of the South East’s most successful resorts for achieving Blue Flags.”

Running across Europe, the Caribbean, South Africa and the USA, Blue Flags are only awarded to coastal destinations which have achieved the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.

IWC Media Simon Butler  Press Embargo 5.59 am:  Isle of Wight Community News @Island Pulse.