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The decision to leave the program was decided last year after membership fees were raised from EUR 700 fro all seven Blue Flag beaches in the city, to approximately EUR 1,200 for each beach.

''Since we have seven Blue Flag beaches, the costs for participation in this program would have increase ten fold and reached EUR 8,400,'' the city council explains.

"As these costs are not directly related to maintaining the quality, cleanliness and safety of beach areas, the municipality considers the amount to be too high for a Blue Flag certificate," the city council said.

At the same time, the local government indicates that, as before, all municipal beach areas will meet the highest criteria of cleanliness and environmental quality.

Since the beginning of the swim season on May 15, a lifeguard service has been working on the seaside beaches and the areas are equipped with the necessary equipment for recreation.

During the swimming season, from May 15 to September 15, the safety of holidaymakers on Jurmala beaches will be monitored by 36 lifeguards at five lifeguard stations and two lifeguard posts.