Beach Sweep Along Jersey’s Coast Slated

SANDY HOOK — Clean Ocean Action (COA) invites citizens and organizations to participate in the 25th annual Spring Beach Sweeps on April 24, at 69 sites along the New Jersey coast. The Beach Sweeps begin at 9 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m., rain or shine.
Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps is one of the longest running cleanup programs in the nation, and has resulted in the removal of nearly four million pieces of trash. More importantly, over 75,000 citizens, the small and the tall, have been educated about the harmful effects of litter and are motivated to make a difference.
“The Beach Sweeps are an opportunity for citizens and visitors to give back to their local marine environment,” said Tavia Danch, COA’s Pollution Prevention Coordinator.
“The Beach Sweeps is much more than picking up trash, volunteers are also instructed to record the quantity and types of debris they find,” stated Danch. The information collected at the sweeps helps identify pollution problems, aid legislators in enacting laws to protect our marine environment, and inform local and international efforts to combat marine pollution.
COA encourages participation from volunteers of all ages individually or from businesses, families and organizations.
Groups of 10 or more are requested to pre-register by calling 732-872-0111, or using the online sign-up form on COA’s Web site. Pre-registration for individuals or groups of less than 10 is not required. Volunteers should bring gloves, dress for the weather, apply sunscreen, and wear closed-toed, hard-soled shoes.
Beach captains will greet volunteers at each site, distribute cleanup materials, and give instructions throughout the event. For a list of sites, the group sign-up form, and other tips, visit www.cleanoceanaction.org and follow the links for “Beach Sweeps.” Organic cotton Beach Sweep t-shirts will be provided to volunteers on a first come-first serve basis.
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