August 31, 2006

The Canaveral Port Authority is proud that Jetty Park beach has become one of about 50 beaches in the United States certified as clean and safe by the Clean Beaches Council. The flagship program—the Blue Wave® Campaign—is America’s first environmental certification program for beaches.

The application for Jetty Park beach was submitted to the Clean Beaches Council by Keep Brevard Beautiful, a not-for-profit group whose mission is to motivate and educate businesses and individuals to reduce litter, recycle, landscape and beautify for the environmental and economic benefit of Brevard County.

The Council
The Clean Beaches Council is a not-for-profit organization devoted to sustaining America’s beaches. Launched in the spring of 1998 and headquartered in Washington D.C., the Council looks for solutions to the safety, health and environmental problems facing the nation’s valuable coastline. Its board of directors and advisors represent a broad range of academic, conservation, business, health advocate and government interests.

The Campaign
The Blue Wave campaign was developed to promote public awareness and voluntary participation in responsible beach management practices that create clean and healthy beaches. To be certified as a Blue Wave beach, a location must meet an array of criteria. The designation is good for one year, from Memorial Day to Memorial Day, and beaches must be re-certified every year to stay on the clean beach list.

The Criteria
To fly the Blue Wave flag, Jetty Park beach met the 33 criteria in its category of “resort beaches.” (Resort beaches are those that have developed their facilities, actively encourage visitors and provide varied recreational opportunities.) The criteria were developed by a panel of experts in seven management areas—water quality, beach and tidal zone conditions, hazards, services, habitat conservation, information and education and erosion management.

Examples of the criteria include: sufficient water quality sampling; control of industrial discharges; minimization of trash and organic debris; use of lifeguards during high-use season; availability of drinking water and clean restrooms; protective coexistence of sensitive habitats with recreation; public availability of safety education and warnings; and ongoing programs for beach nourishment.

"The Port Authority thanks Keep Brevard Beautiful for their work in getting this certification for Jetty Park beach. We welcome this recognition of our commitment to coastal resources and the opportunity to demonstrate nationally that our beach is a healthy and clean place to visit," said Port Commissioner Ray Sharkey. "I believe the public awareness this program generates will help us continue to fund and carry out good beach management practices."