Latvia Awards 13 Beaches Blue Flag Status

Why this is here: More than 5,000 places worldwide currently hold the Blue Flag designation each season, signifying a broad international effort toward beach quality.

The Environmental Education Foundation in Latvia awarded 13 swimming areas and one marina the Blue Flag designation this year. Jānis Ulme, head of the foundation, notes increasingly strict quality requirements influenced which locations received the highest rating. New Blue Flag locations include Daugavgrīva in Riga and Vārza in Limbaži municipality, joining established areas like Vakarbuļļi and Vecāķi in Riga.

These beaches must meet 33 criteria related to water quality, safety, and environmental management to earn the Blue Flag. While Daugavpils’ “Stropvilnis” and Liepāja’s “Beberliņi” did not receive the Blue Flag, they were awarded national bathing site certificates. This certificate acknowledges good standards, but does not meet all Blue Flag requirements.

The foundation continues to assess bathing areas, and stricter criteria may prevent some locations from obtaining the Blue Flag in future seasons. Information about the Blue Flag program in Latvia is available online, and the work to maintain clean and safe swimming areas continues.