Blue Wave Beaches
THE BLUE WAVE CAMPAIGN
Promoting clean and safe beaches
Protecting a Precious Resource at Risk
America’s coasts play a vital role in our national way of life. They offer unique recreation opportunities, support maritime commerce and provide jobs for coastal communities. In fact, beach tourism contributes over $640 billion annually to the U.S. economy (85 percent of all U.S. tourist revenues). Each year approximately 180 million Americans make 2 billion visits to ocean, gulf and inland beaches.
Yet, most beaches in the United States do not regularly monitor water quality. Nationwide over the last decade there have been more than 20,000 health advisories issued. Countless miles of precious shoreline are lost to beach erosion every year.
Unless a concerted effort is made to preserve and sustain America’s beaches, this precious national resource will be lost. Despite recent progress, the safety, health and environmental conditions of many beaches continues to deteriorate. The Blue Wave Campaign seeks to turn this tide.
Blue Wave Campaign SM
The Blue Wave Campaign is America’s first environmental certification for beaches. The goal of Blue Wave is to promote public awareness and voluntary participation in beach sustainability.
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.
Seek the Wave SM
Everyone wins when beaches are clean and safe. Clean beaches benefit the environment and the economy alike. The voluntary Blue Wave Campaign is an innovative way for beaches, managed with respect for the environment, to stand apart from the others.
Clean Beaches Council invites you to “seek the wave” and join our cause. Spread the word to your friends and relatives. Encourage uncertified beaches to join the campaign. Be a part of this milestone endeavor that’s changing the way the public views its beaches.
7 Things you can do to Keep Beaches Clean and Safe
- 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)
- Know your limits (swim, surf and boat safely)
- Respect native habitats (wildlife and plants)
- Mind your pet (help keep beaches sanitary)
- Get involved! (join the Coastal Corps SM program)
