Record number of blue flags awarded

[xchrom]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0609/breaking33.html

A record number of Irish beaches received blue flag awards this year, it was announced today.

Eight more flags were awarded this year than the 76 in 2010, with some 82 beaches and two marinas receiving the international award for excellence.

New winners include Tramore in Waterford, Portrane in Fingal, Youghal Front Strand in Cork and Enniscrone in Sligo.

Three beaches which had lost their flags in 2010 regained them this year - Brittas Bay South in Wicklow, Traught and Ceibh an Spidéal in Galway, and Ross and Old Head in Mayo.

[barbtries]

1. this might help:

"The blue flag award is an international label granted on the basis of 32 criteria involving water quality, area management, safety and environmental education."

i didn't have a clue.

[pscot]

2. The U.S.of A. doen't participate?

I wonder why.