The Gaia Foundation has said that “as part of its core mission to carry our integrated coastal zone management of Natura 2000 sites, good for nature and good for you, has once again successfully obtained the highly prestigious and international Blue Flags from the Foundation for Environmental Education, for both beaches under its direct management.”

The Blue Flag beaches are Ramla Bay, Gozo and Ghajn Tuffieha in Malta. The Blue Flag Season darts run from the 28th of June to the 28th of September, 2014.

The Blue Flag is a form of 5 star rating for the beach. This has required the maintenance not only of high environmental standards, but also tourism service standards, such as education, beach management, cleanliness, water quality and beach safety.

The Foundation said that while the environmental part of the project has been supported by funds from the Ministry responsible for the environment, the commissioning of lifeguards for the next 3 months, together with some ancillary tourism related services, has been made possible with the kind financial support of the Malta Tourism Authority. Funds are also provided by Gaia from its own revenue generation.“Last but not least, the beach management is also made possible through the EVS Youth in Action Programme, through the involvement of our enterprising and intrepid volunteer team.”

The Gaia Foundation said that members of the public and patrons of the beaches are kindly reminded that:

1. Extreme caution must be adopted at all times WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING, owing to VERY treacherous underwater currents with a strong onshore wind and wave action. Swimming at these times should be strictly avoided, or at the very most confined to areas with safety lines to help persons pull themselves to shore. Be aware that in rough weather these safety lines may cut and sometimes cannot be repaired in such rough weather. Persons should try and swim sideways out of the currents to the closest safety line. Lifeguard instructions should be followed at all times. PLEASE DO NOT ENDANGER THE LIVES OF THE LIFEGUARDS AS WELL AS YOUR OWN, OR YOUR LOVED ONES! Do not underestimate the power of wave action. This year we are working with the Red Cross at Ghajn Tuffieha and the Emergency Response and Rescue Corp (ERRC) in Ramla, who are on duty from 11.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.

2. Please help us to keep our beaches clean and to keep our Blue Flags, which will be removed if people litter the beach. Cigarette ends should be disposed of properly, as should all waste, like tiny bottle tops and can tops. BBQ waste should NEVER be disposed of in the sand, and no open fires are allowed in the sand or protected areas.

3. Avoid any risk to setting light to the protected areas with discarded cigarettes etc.

4. Camping in the protected areas and on the beaches is not permitted.

5. Dogs should be taken swimming in the beaches designated for such purpose. Unfortunately owing to the sand that may conceal dog droppings, and for reasons of hygiene and sanitary regulations, with kinds playing in the sand, Ramla and Ghajn Tuffieha are not beaches designated for our dogs/best friends who may wish to cool off and have fun and splash around in the summer heat.

6. Beach activities will be taking place through the summer. Check out our schedules on our notice boards on the beach as well as on our page, for details. Hope to see you there.

7. Please remember that any activity organised at our beaches requires a permit from our end. Please download the form with all guidelines from our website homepage at www.projectgaia.org

The Gaia Foundation thanks everyone for their collaboration, with best wishes for “a happy summer full of sunshine and laughter.”

Photographs: Copyright Alain Salvary – ERRC lifeguards on duty 28th June 2014

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