 Antibes Juan-les-Pins features among towns possessing high-quality clean water for swimming. As proof of this fact, the town has once more been awarded the Blue Flag (1).
This distinction attests to a good environmental protection policy after study of results from water analysis during the 2008 summer season.
23 samples were taken along the 23 kms of coastline. 22 were in class A, water with “good quality”. Only one received class B, water with “average quality” which still represents no risk for swimmers. The reading followed heavy rainfall at Ponteil in September. The 22 other samples taken during the season at the same beach were good.
Obtaining certification
The result is linked to the presence in this sector of the Laval valley which leaches out water into the streets during heavy rainfall periods.
The Health and Environment Board is well aware of this phenomenon and has put in place a system of certification for measuring the quality of water for swimming.
In accordance with this measure, a study of potential problems at each of the beaches was instigated. This study illustrated that reduction in water quality was temporary and always had a local cause linked with public and private drainage networks. The study also revealed that while creating turbidity, the Var river does not make an impact on the sanitary state of the water.
Special preventive measures operational equipment has been put in place during the summer season to retrieve street cleaning products and those arising from public or private drainage systems and primary rainwater that may reach the sea, diverting them to a water treatment plant. All emissions or networks giving onto the sea are also checked on a bi-daily basis.
Where pollution is suspected, action is taken by cleaning, environmental and rainwater collection services and a study of water in swimming areas is undertaken. These preventive measures that act in a crisis and inform the public are the subject of certification. Throughout the summer, the council will pursue these measures with vigilance and will audit the certification stemming from the end of the season.
Release of information to the general public remains a high priority. Results of samples taken are readily available at lifeguard posts complete with studies of specific problems relating to each zone (proximity to a valley, a station).
(1)The Blue Flag has been awarded to Antibes Juan-les-Pins since 1994. |
In partnership with Exploring the Marine World Centres and the Permanent Centre for Protection of the Lerins Islands there are campaigns aimed at yachtsmen in the ports and mooring zones to make them aware of the impact on the environment of anchors, fishing, rubbish disposal and black zones among other related subjects. 
A sea-cleaning Véolia boat, “The Nadege” is specially equipped to collect floating rubbish and can also, where necessary, take up small spillages of hydrocarbons. Based in Port Vauban, the boat operates 7 days a week throughout the summer along 35 kms of coast from Saint Laurent du Var to Antibes Juan-les-Pins and is a member of the Intercommune Syndicate for Coastal and Var Right Bank cleaning.
Jellyfish are arriving at the beaches of Antibes Juan-les-Pins, and a common visitor is the stinging “pelagia nocticula”. In summer 2008, shoals of jellyfish came during six different periods, the highest incidence being in August. Carried on the Ligurian current, it is the beaches east of the Cap which are most affected. Antibes Juan-les-Pins council is fully aware of the problems posed to swimmers and is once more this summer implementing measures to manage and combat risks linked to their arrival on the coast.