For the first time in Lithuania, the Blue Flag - an international quality mark recognized all over the world - was awarded to freshwater beaches. This rating is given to the beaches of Balsi Lake and Žirmūnai.
Over the past few years, the changes implemented in public beaches have been noticed and appreciated by the public. New volleyball and basketball courts, fitness equipment have been installed. Paths and bathing facilities are adapted for people with disabilities. All residents of Vilnius and guests of the capital can use the beach infrastructure for free throughout the year.
"The blue flag is the highest international mark of beach quality and environmental protection, so we are glad that the company's efforts in improving Vilnius beaches for comfortable and quality recreation were evaluated with such a score," says UAB.Beam", the manager of Kęstutis Vaicekiūtis, which organizes the activities of the city's public beaches.
The company maintains 10 public beaches - the popular Žirmūnai and Valakampiai beaches, located on the banks of the Neris River, as well as the beaches of Balsios (Green Lakes), Balžios, Tapeliai and Gilužios lakes.
International Blue Flag certificates and the right to raise such flags are granted after the implementation of 33 strict requirements for education and information, water quality, environmental management, security and service quality. The Blue Flag certificate is granted for one season only. If the condition of the beaches does not meet the mandatory criteria after inspection, the Blue Flag must be lowered.
"Achieving all the requirements of the Blue Flag certificate requires a lot of preparation and consistent work. It is even more difficult to ensure environmental standards on freshwater beaches, so the Blue Flag is a guarantee that the beaches meet the highest quality requirements," says K. Vaicekiūtis.
Before the bathing season, the results of water quality tests carried out in the swimming pools of Valakampii, Žirmūnai, Salote, Balsi (Green Lakes), Balzis, Tapeliai and Giluži meet all the hygienic requirements of the Health Education and Disease Prevention Center (SMLPC), so it is safe to swim in them.
"Grinda" constantly strives to make beach infrastructure more accessible to all Vilnius residents. Last year, paths were installed on Žirmūnai beach, allowing access to the beach for people with mobility disabilities, tables adapted for them were installed in the picnic area, and a swimming area was installed. Here, adults and children with limited mobility will be able to use a special beach stroller - it is safe to dive into the water and enjoy summer fun.
During the entire bathing season (until September 15) on the public beaches of the capital every day from 8.00:20.00 a.m. until XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. lifeguards will be working. The weather will not affect the duty of lifeguards, because people bathe not only on hot, but also on cool summer days.
