Steve Jasiecki/Beach Sweep 2019.
Volunteers will be out on local beaches this weekend picking up what others have carelessly left behind.
Clean Ocean Action will be holding Beach Sweeps across the state to improve the quality of the marine waters and remove trash and debris from beaches and waterways. Volunteers are needed in 80 locations, including six sites in Atlantic County.
The Beach Sweeps will be held rain or shine 9 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Saturday, April 13 in the following Atlantic County locations:
Data collected is compiled to determine sources of pollution and monitor trends and promote solutions to beach litter. Data may also be used to forward legislation that protects the ocean, such as the beach smoking ban. The most recent annual report indicates that nearly 80% of all debris collected is made out of some form of plastic.
Click here to read the 2023 report.
Volunteers must be registered to participate. Register in advance at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfYpsE08cWisgic3kt6BiD44fbVwUIq12JX-ptcbf_w-A0Jw/viewform or on Saturday morning at the registration site, where you will be asked to fill out a waiver form. Family members and groups must register individually. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Check in and registration is at 9 a.m.
Volunteers are instructed not to pick up anything that makes them uncomfortable. Volunteers are not required or expected to pick up potentially hazardous debris. Alert the Beach Captain about safety concerns. Beach Captains will supply trash and recycling bags, data cards and pencils. Hand sanitizer will be available. To reduce the use of plastic bags, volunteers are asked to bring a repurposed bucket.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. It is advisable to bring a reusable water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray and a positive attitude.
The next Beach Sweep will be held in October.
