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Gulf shores beach to be certified as one of the 50 cleanest beaches in the United States
The eight-mile-long Gulf Shores Beach will be certified in May as one of the 50 cleanest beaches in the United States by the Clean Beaches Council (CBC)- a not-for-profit organization devoted to sustaining America`s beaches. The CBC invited 100 beaches in 30 states to participate in the certification process.

This is the third consecutive year Gulf Shores Beach will officially be awarded the CBC`s Blue Wave certification. Less than half the beaches on the list have held the certification for that long. Gulf Shores will be able to continue to fly the official Blue Wave flag in recognition of its certification.

The public depends on the Blue Wave flag as a `Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval` for beaches, said CBC Chairman Robert Herbst. The Blue Wave flag gives visitors peace of mind knowing the beach is safe, clean, and that the community protects wildlife and the natural environment.

Gulf Shores Beach had to pass 56 standards in seven areas for safety, environmental management and responsible use of the beach to receive its certification. Last year, Gulf Shores and the other Blue Wave beaches had to pass 33 standards.

While many of our nation`s beaches have deteriorated in areas such as safety and cleanliness, Gulf Shores Beach has excelled over the years and has become a leader, said CBC President Walter McLeod. Gulf Shores is practicing responsible beach management and is a good example of what the Blue Wave certification stands for.

The City of Gulf Shores is very proud to receive this recognition and to be the only Blue Wave Beach in Alabama, said Lisa Kennedy, a spokesperson for the Gulf Shores mayor`s office. We fly our Blue Wave Beach flags proudly.

Gulf Shores has worked hard to achieve this recognition, said Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel Director Lee Sentell. It`s an honor that will result in a big boost to tourism this summer.

Gulf Shores Beach is along the Alabama Gulf Coast, which has 32 miles of beachfront along the Gulf of Mexico. Freshwater lakes, rivers, bayous and coves add nearly 400,000 acres of protected waterfront to the area. Alabama`s Gulf Coast boasts an average annual temperature of 67 Theodore Koumelis - Monday, April 19, 2004