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E.G.D.What is a Blue Wave Beach?
Posted by Jody on January 10, 2012
I only recently learned of the existence of “Blue Wave Beaches.” Yet, the Blue Wave certification program has actually been around for over a decade!
The Clean Beaches Coalition accredits beaches within the United States and its territories for “clean, healthy and environmentally well managed” conditions. According to the Clean Beaches website: “The Blue Wave certification process is designed to help maintain robust, healthy, and vibrant beaches.” Municipalities and other organizations representing beach locales must apply for the recognition, support, and actively promote the following seven Blue Wave Ethics.
1. Leave no trace (what you carry in, carry out)
2. Move your body (walk, run or swim)
3. Don’t tread the dunes (use a walkover or walk-thru)
4. Know your limits (swim, surf and boat safely)
5. You are what you eat (eat healthy seafood)
6. Feed your mind. (read a book)
7. Respect the Ocean (riptides, storms, natural resources)
Evening at Drakes Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California / 2011 Blue Wave Beach (© Jody Diehl)
A total of 65 beaches were officially certified as Blue Wave in 2011. The 2011 Blue Wave Beaches list includes beaches within 18 states, the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa. 47 of the accredited beaches are located within National Seashores, National Parks, and National Lakeshores. Other than beaches managed by the National Park Service, last year’s list incorporates an additional 12 beaches in Florida, 2 beaches in Wisconsin, and 1 beach in the each of the states of Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Texas.
I do wonder why “Blue Wave” doesn’t seem to be catching on. What do you think? Will slow and steady win the race?
Feel free to share your ideas and thoughts with us. We’d love to hear from you!
Mary Hilgart said
Nice! I’ve been to way too many beaches that have trash either washed up from the tide, or left behind from bathers. I’ve never heard of ‘Blue Wave’ beaches before now – perhaps the word needs to get out more!