We’ve mentioned the fact that two of our world class beaches have been declared as Blue Flag beaches, but with the hoisting of the flag at Buffel’s Bay on Friday 16 November, it is official!
Photo courtesy of Desmond Scholtz for Knysna Municipality.
We were spoiled for choice between watching Knysna’s Executive Mayor Georlene Wolmarans leading the hoisting ceremony, and doing some quality whale watching when a family of whales joined the celebration in the bay.
The blue flags will be flying at the Buffel’s Bay and Brenton on Sea beaches from 1 December to 31 January – proudly proclaiming that these beautiful swimming beaches are safe, that the water is of good quality, that the ablution facilities are clean and that lifeguards will be on vigilant, daily duty.
And while the strict criteria of becoming a Blue Flag beach prohibits dogs from being allowed in the designated bathing areas of these beaches between 1 December and 31 January, dog owners will still be able to walk Fido at the beach – within certain times and only in certain areas.
Dogs may enjoy our beautiful beaches with their owners before 9:00am and after 17:00, provided that they are kept on their leashes at all times. The pet-friendly zone of the beach at Brenton on Sea is 300m west of the second lifeguard flag, and pooches of Buffel’s Bay are welcome east of the last beach residents. Dogs and their owners may make use of the normal access routes to both beaches.
No matter if your family members have two legs or four, everyone is welcome to make the most of our safe, clean beaches this summer – even though the four-legged family members have a few conditions to comply with!
And remember that summer ends late in Knysna. Our Blue Flag beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming until late in March, with April known for surprising with a few Indian summer weekends… So if you are unfortunate enough to have made other travel arrangements for your December holiday, why don’t you head on over to www.exploreknysna.com and start planning your perfect late summer break away?