SAVE THE BAY VOLUNTEERS: Please note our cleanup program has changed! Please read the whole posting so you know what to expect. Most important: Because the waiver and safety instructions are online, EVERY VOLUNTEER must individually pre-register. Friends and family must create an account and sign up on their own. Walk-ins will not be permitted to participate. Cleanups are open to ages 13+; minors must be registered individually, and accompanied by parent or guardian.
WHAT: Join the International Coastal Cleanup at Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth with Save The Bay! Shoreline trash is ugly and dangerous to wildlife, and shoreline cleanups are a great way for volunteers to make a difference. We will divide into small teams to pick up trash and record what we find. The data will be included in the Ocean Conservancy's annual report on marine debris. NEW THIS YEAR: We are using the Clean Swell app to record data instead of paper data cards! So if you are interested in recording data, check out the app here and start getting familiar with it! This is not required of all volunteers and we will send additional information on how it all works before the cleanup.
WHERE: 620 Sandy Point Ave, Portsmouth, RI 02871
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING:
- A mask or cloth face covering is required.
- Dress for the weather in clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required.
- Please bring your own sunscreen, tick repellant, and water.
- We will provide trash bags, disposable gloves, and hand sanitizer. But it helps us social distance if you can bring your own!
NOTE: We have redesigned our cleanup program in order to do our work as safely as possible in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please read!
- Pre-registration required - no walk ins, and no bringing friends and family who have not registered! People who have not pre-registered will not be allowed to participate. Team signup is no longer an option; each volunteer must sign up individually.
- E-Waiver required - we are going paperless! You must complete our general volunteer waiver in order to register, but you only need to do this once a year. Simply hit respond to this need and the system will walk you through it if you haven't signed already. If you have any trouble, you can check out this video that shows you how. Contact July Lewis at jlewis@savebay.org if you have questions.
- Ages 13+ may participate (must also create an account and sign up); minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Safety instructions must be reviewed in advance. We will not gather together for a welcome and safety speech as in the past. You will simply check in, pick up any needed supplies, and start cleaning! Therefore it is important that all volunteers review the detailed safety instructions, which include new guidance and COVID-19 screening. When you register, you must check to indicate you have reviewed them and agree to them.
- COVID-19 screening questionnaire - All participants must self-screen by answering the questionnaire in the safety instructions before leaving for the cleanup. Volunteers must be able to say "no" to all questions in order to attend. We will email it out again before the cleanup.
- No bathroom access - At this time access to the building is very restricted, so there will be no bathrooms available. But we are keeping cleanups short!
- Service hour documentation - we will provide confirmation letters electronically upon request. Email jlewis@savebay.org if you need one.
Any questions or difficulty registering? Contact July Lewis at jlewis@savebay.org. We want you on our team!
