Turkey has over 900 top-notch swimming spots

By Yildiz Nevin Gundogmus

ANKARA (AA) - Some 921 points at beaches and lakes across Turkey have been declared top-notch by experts, the health minister said Friday.

Samples were taken from 1,291 points on the shores of the Black, Aegean, Mediterranean and Marmara Seas as well as lakes, Fahrettin Koca said.

"Some 921 swimming areas (75%) were classified as Class A (excellent level), 296 swimming areas were classified as Class B (good), 62 swimming areas classified as Class C (not applicable). There is no class D swimming area that can be considered as forbidden to enter, " Koca said in a statement.

Koca stressed they continue to work with expert teams at the beaches every year to protect public health and provide hassle-free holidays to tourists.

"Our work continues to increase this number," he said, adding that 463 beaches in Turkey have been awarded the prestigious Blue-Flag.

The Blue-Flag certification is an exclusive eco-label that is given to beaches and marinas after meeting the criteria set by Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an independent non-profit organization.

*Writing by Burak Bir