Three beaches in the domain of the Eden District Municipality - Wilderness, Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay - were granted Blue Flag status at the official 2012/13 Blue Flag Beach Launch in Hermanus last week.

Vernon Gibbs-Halls of Eden District Municipality, Knysna Municipal Manager Lauren Waring, Maretha Alant of SanParks, and Massimo Mariotti of Salina's Restaurant in Wilderness received the award on behalf of their respective councils from the Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk.

Gibbs-Halls and Waring said it was the first time that both the Eden and Knysna municipalities entered the programme.

"We are extremely proud to have achieved three blue flags on our first attempt," said Gibbs-Halls.

Blue Flag is an international coastal management programme that accredits beaches, boats and beaches. Beaches must meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information as well as safety and services.