We all know that the beaches in South Walton county are some of the most pristine and beautiful in the world, but did you know they are also certifiably some of the cleanest in the United States through the Clean Beaches Council?
Get this - Beaches of South Walton is the only destination in the country to have all 26 miles of coastline certified as "Blue Wave"! Wow!
The Washington D.C-based Clean Beaches Council was formed back in '98 to act as a steward in sustaining America's beaches. Their mission is to promote public awareness and volunteer participation in sustainability while ensuring a legacy of clean beaches for all generations to come. Very admirable. {clap clap clap}
Their flagship program - the Blue Wave Campaign - is America’s first environmental beach certification program that gives those beaches that meet a set of guidelines a "certified clean beach" stamp of approval.
From the website, "A certified clean beach is a Blue Wave designated beach that is managed responsibly, with a focus on protection of human health and the environment. Blue Wave beaches voluntarily pledge to uphold the following responsible beach management practices:
- water quality
- beach and intertidal conditions
- hazards
- services
- habitat conservation
- public information/education
- erosion management
Participating beaches proudly fly the distinctive Blue Wave flag – the symbol of responsible beach management."
We all have a responsibility to make sure we maintain that honorable designation. It distinguishes us from any other stretch of beach coastline in the country which is just another example of why South Walton county is truly remarkable.
Here are seven things you can do to keep beaches clean and healthy.
- Leave No Trace -if you carry it in, carry it out.
- Use public restrooms - help keep beach water clean.
- Don’t tread the dunes - prevent beach erosion / use walkovers.
- Keep kids clean - wash off thoroughly after visiting the beach.
- Respect native habitats - wildlife and plants
- Mind your pet - help keep the beach sanitary.
- Get involved - contact www.cleanbeaches.org.
