Beach Certification and Ethics

The Power of Personal Stewardship and Public Values

Blue Wave Ethics

Blue Wave beaches and destinations represent the complete eco-coastal experience.  As such, we support clean, safe and economically thriving beach communities and have developed the following ethics to promote that lifestyle for beach visitors.  Certified beaches actively promote and embrace the following principles underlying the Blue Wave Ethics:

7 Blue Wave Ethics

1. Leave no trace (what you carry in, carry out)
2. Move your body (walk, run or swim)
3. Don’t tread the dunes (use a walkover or walk-thru)
4. Know your limits (swim, surf and boat safely)
5. You are what you eat (eat healthy seafood)
6. Feed your mind. (read a book)
7. Respect the Ocean (riptides, storms, natural resources)

Blue Wave Certification

Beaches are America’s top tourist destination, generating more than $640 billion a year for the U.S. economy.  A recent survey by National Geographic Traveler and Yahoo! Travel found that, “cleanliness was the most important factor in picking which beach to go to…” (Source: AP).

The Blue Wave program is the first national environmental certification for beaches.  The Blue Wave certification process is designed to help maintain robust, healthy, and vibrant beaches.

Applicants for certification may include beach municipalities, local authorities, tourism boards, homeowners associations, hotels, resorts, and others representing a beach or destination.  

To be eligible an applicant must submit all required information.  To receive the application materials, submit your request below.

Blue Wave Information Request