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American Morning
Clean Beaches Council Releases Approval Listing
Aired May 18, 2001 - 09:24 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, summer's coming, and for millions of Americans that means heading off for the sand and the surf. As we approach Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of beach season, here's some information to consider. Beaches are the top tourist destination in the U.S. More than 50 million people visit beaches each summer. And going to the beach is big business, generating some $640 billion a year for the U.S. economy.
DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: So how can you make sure that the beach you go to visit is safe and clean? This morning, in the Clean Beaches Council they call it, releasing the list of locations that have gotten their seal of approval. Walter McLeod is the founder and president of the organization, and he joins us from our Washington bureau.
Mr. McLeod, thanks for coming in to talk with us.
WALTER MCLEOD, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, CLEAN BEACHES COUNCIL: Well, thank you for having me this morning.
KELLEY: What do you go by to decide whether a beach is worthy of your seal of approval?
MCLEOD: Well, beaches that are Blue Wave certified voluntarily apply and agree to adhere to seven areas of responsible management practice: water quality, beach and inner tidal conditions, safety, services, habitat conservation, public education and erosion management practices.
KELLEY: And is that what makes it Blue Wave? Where did you get that Blue Wave? What does that mean?
MCLEOD: Well, Blue Wave actually is a close resemblance to our sister program in Europe, the blue flag program, where there are over 2,000 beaches certified in 21 countries. But we thought it was a good symbol because blue water and blue waves would represent a clean beach.
KELLEY: Do you guys go to the beach, a tough assignment, and decide whether there're good enough or not?
MCLEOD: Well, people do think it's a pretty tough assignment. But, yes, we actually do a physical inspection of every beach that we certify to make sure that they are fully in compliance with the requirements of the program.
KELLEY: Now, when you look at that, and we have some pictures here, of course, that we're looking at kids playing in the beach, but pretty soon we have a map that we'll look at with highlights of some of the states with good beaches. And you really have a number of beaches in a number of states. You're up -- what was it that you did? This is the third year you've done it and the number of beaches is how many this year?
MCLEOD: Well, we've experienced tremendous growth. Last year we had 30 beaches in seven coastal states and this year we're over 60 beaches in 12 states. So people are really starting to understand what this program is all about.
KELLEY: A lot of them in Florida. And Florida has a number of lovely beaches, one of them my favorite certainly, but why so many in Florida?
MCLEOD: Well, Florida is known for having clean beaches and Florida has more beaches than any coastal state in the U.S. So this program has really taken on there because they want to be recognized for the good job that they do managing their outstanding beaches.
KELLEY: Tell us your favorite one? Where do you like the best? Do you have a favorite one?
MCLEOD: Well, you know it's funny, it really depends on what beach I'm on at any given time. I don't -- all of my Blue Wave beaches are my favorite beaches, but each of them has individual characteristics that makes them appealing. For example, you know when I look at a resort beach, I tend to think of Fort Lauderdale or Clearwater City because they have all the amenities that a family might want to look for. I also think of Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach in Delaware. But what I think...
KELLEY: You just like to be at the beach, don't you?
MCLEOD: I just love to be there, and I love to see people...
KELLEY: Yes.
MCLEOD: ... appreciating the natural environment.
KELLEY: Very good. Well, you didn't miss your calling. That's super.
Walter McLeod, who is the founder and president of the Clean Beaches Council, fun to visit with you. Thanks.
MCLEOD: Thank you very much.
KELLEY: Leon, pack your trunks.
HARRIS: I wish I could -- wish I could. Got to stay here, though.
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