By PAULO SILVESTRE paulo.silvestre@theresidentgroup.com
A record number of beaches in the region will be flying the Blue Flag this summer.
Some 69 Blue Flag beaches have been named in the Algarve, 15 more than in 2009 and the highest ever in the region.
The official list of Blue Flags, awarded nationally, was announced on May 7 by the President of the Commission of the European Blue Flag (ABAE), José Archer. Albufeira has been awarded the most Blue Flags, 19 in total.
Albufeira Mayor Desidério Silva said: “These awards bring great satisfaction to the whole team who work hard throughout the year to ensure safe, healthy and user-friendly beaches. The Blue Flags are an indication that Albufeira beaches are highly recommended to all lovers of sun, sand and sea this year.”
Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira and Vilamoura marinas will also be flying the flag.
In the rest of the country, the north region has 56 Blue Flags (13 more than in 2009), seven of which are new entries.
The central region of Portugal has been awarded 19 Blue Flags (one more than 2009) and Alentejo region gets 23 (two more than 2009).
Madeira will have 16 and the Azores 28 beaches flying Blue Flags.
Meanwhile, the holders of beach concessionaries throughout the country have threatened a strike at the height of the summer season.
At issue is the obligation for each concession to have two lifeguards and an assistant.
Owners argue that the solution is not economically viable and have already requested a meeting with the Ministry of Defence to ask for amendments to this legislation.
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