This year, nine Swedish beaches and eleven marinas have received the Blue Flag environmental label.

– I believe one sees that it's of value to tourism, says Henrik Alsén, operations manager for Blue Flag.

The certification has existed in Sweden since 1994. It concerns water quality, safety, service, and accessibility, among other things. Internationally, the Blue Flag can be found at more than 4,000 beaches or marinas in 45 countries.

However, in Sweden the scheme experienced a downturn a few years ago, in conjunction with a reorganisation. Previously, the scheme was managed by Keep Sweden Tidy. Now, Blue Flag stands on its own two feet.

The majority of the excellent facilities are located in the Stockholm region, Scania, Halland or Västra Götaland.

At the same time, a new labelling scheme, called Badepunkt, is underway. It is intended for smaller bathing spots that offer good outdoor activities, but do not meet, for example, accessibility requirements for wheelchair users.

The organisation Blue Flag collaborates with, among others, the Lifesaving Society and the National Association for Marinas.

– The water is still quite cold. It's only in the last week that the temperature has gone from about twelve to around sixteen degrees. But now it's time for the first swim, says Henrik Alsén of Blå flagg, who lives in Varberg.

Source: TT