The Blue Flag at Kostanj beach was raised by Rijeka mayor Vojko Obersnel and the president of the association that gathers young disabled persons and students Maja Mihelčić. The flag raising ceremony was attended by City and County representatives, as well as a number of associations operating in the area of the City of Rijeka that support the disabled.

Margita Mastrović, professional associate working for "Lijepa naša" association, that awards Blue Flags in Croatia congratulated the City of Rijeka on receiving the Blue Flag, which also means that the bathing water quality at Kostanj beach is excellent.

Expressing his satisfaction with the fact that one beach in Rijeka had managed to obtain that prestigious title, mayor Obersnel said that not only was the Blue Flag recognition for equipping Kostanj beach, but it meant much more than that.

"At this beach the Blue Flag could not have been raised without continuous investment in the quality of the sewage system and projecting complex and expensive interventions that at the costal zone prevent uncontrolled discharge of waste water into the sea. There are not many cities with a similar number of inhabitants in a krast area that can boast such sea water quality" pointed out the mayor, adding that not only is the Blue Flag honour, moreover it is an obligation to keep on maintaining high criteria of equipping the beach and protecting the sea water quality.

To enable the users pleasant stay at the beach, the City of Rijeka will finance the work of four lifeguards at Kostanj beach during the swimming season, who will take care of the beach inventory and will keep it clean and will also provide assistance to swimmers. These persons have completed a course for lifeguards and, if necessary, they are qualified to provide first-aid.
(S.R.)