Volunteers needed to Sweep the Beaches this weekend

Volunteers will be out on local beaches this weekend picking up what others have carelessly left behind.

Clean Ocean Action will be holding its 40th biannual Beach Sweep across the state Saturday 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 12 in the following Atlantic County locations:

•    Atlantic City S. Albany Avenue at the Boardwalk; S. Florida Avenue at the Boardwalk

•    Brigantine S. 17th Street at Brigantine Beach Patrol

•    Longport 33rd and Atlantic avenues

•    Margate Granville Avenue beach

•    Ventnor City Newport Avenue beach Community Building

Volunteers should bring their own bucket and work gloves. Each municipality will provide registration services and instructions and provide volunteers with collection cards to record what they find on the beach.

    Clean Ocean Action semi-annual Beech Sweep, Margate, Oct. 21, 2023.
  

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.

Volunteers must be registered to participate. CLICK HERE to register in advance at or come to the site Saturday morning. You will be asked to fill out a waiver form. Family members and groups must register individually. Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Check in and registration is at 9 a.m

    Provided/Beach Captain Mary Lanahan with Ventnor residents, Barbara and Steve Cohen.
  

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 Oct. 18.

    Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep Dirty Dozen chart shows the most contamination of the ocean and beaches comes from plastic products.