Needs From: Save The Bay

Create an account if it is your first time here!
See Youth volunteering for information on how to set up an account as a minor, or on volunteering as a family.
See Team Signup to learn about options for groups

WHAT: Help keep our coasts clean with Save The Bay and Norman Bird Sanctuary! Shoreline trash is ugly and harmful to wildlife, and cleanups are a great way to make a difference. We provide trash bags, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and insect repellant - you bring the helping hands!

WHERE: We will meet at this lot on Third Beach Road, Middletown, RI ("Navy Beach"). Keep an eye out for Save The Bay signs!

PREPARE

Bring your own water - we recommend a reusable bottle!Bring garden or work gloves (disposable gloves available).Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, and dress for the weather.Plan time to shower and change afterward.Optional: Save resources by bringing your own trash grabber and bucket for collecting trash.

SAFETY TIPS

Use tick repellent and sunscreen (provided).Watch for poison ivy and don’t touch it! Learn to recognize it here.Stay within sight of the group.Watch your step! Avoid slippery rocks and sensitive dunes.Don’t overfill trash bags or carry heavy items without help.For sharp items or needles, inform a leader for proper disposal

WHAT NOT TO PICK UP

Embedded items (anything you'd have to dig out of the ground)Natural items such as seaweed, driftwood, or even a dead fish or bird. Nature will take care of it!Anything too heavy, sharp or hazardous to handle safely. Report these items to your cleanup leader.

AFTER THE CLEANUP: Use hand sanitizer, do a tick check, and shower/change at home to minimize exposure to ticks and poison ivy.

REGISTRATION NOTES

Pre-registration required. Age: Cleanups are recommended for ages 8+. Ages 16+ may participate independently; Ages 8-15 may participate with a parent or guardian. Parents with children will be asked to sign a family waiver at the event.  Team volunteering: Signing up as a team? See our Team Signup page for helpful information! If the cleanup is full, join the waitlist! Spaces often open up.

Confirmation of service letters are available upon request! Just ask your cleanup leader at the end of the event.

For questions or registration help, contact July Lewis at jlewis@savebay.org. We want you on our team!

Every year, Save The Bay organizes about 200 shoreline cleanups, removing tens of thousands of pounds of trash and engaging almost 2000 volunteers - and it would not be possible without our cleanup leader volunteers! We are looking for volunteers who are reliable, communicative, eager to lead, willing to learn and follow Save The Bay’s procedures for cleanups, and able to participate frequently.

Cleanups are usually led by a team of 2-3 leaders, with one "beach captain" acting as the main leader for the event (assigning leadership tasks and giving the welcome speech). Leadership tasks include welcoming and checking volunteers in, collecting waivers, distributing supplies, giving instructions, leading volunteers to different shoreline areas, weighing the trash, and thanking everyone at the end. To become a cleanup leader,

Recommended: participate in a shoreline cleanup as a volunteer first!Fill out the application to train as a cleanup leader. Interview with our Volunteer & Internship Manager (15min)"Audition" as an assistant leader at a cleanup (we will provide training materials)If you are a good fit, you are on the team! We'll ask you to assist with leadership at an additional 3 cleanups in the next 2 months to complete your training.OPTIONAL: After 4 total cleanups, you are eligible to become a Beach Captain (main leader of cleanup) if you choose; Beach Captains will be observed leading and take a quiz to be cleared. Once approved, you can be the beach captain at any cleanup and can also work with Save The Bay to plan and schedule cleanups at your favorite sites! Not comfortable being the Beach Captain? That's OK, you don't have to be!

Cleanup leadership is recommended for ages 16+. All leaders who are minors must co-lead with an adult. Motivated leaders under 16 may be accepted into the program, but must be trained alongside a parent or legal guardian who can lead with them. Please note: this training is not eligible for community service hours.

Any questions? Email July Lewis at jlewis@savebay.org. 

NOTE: This is an independent activity. Data submitted through this app is anonymous, and Save The Bay cannot verify users' participation -therefore this activity is not eligible for community service hours. 

The Clean Swell App is a great way to clean up your favorite spots and track what you've accomplished! Download the app and then start cleaning up and recording what you pick up. All the data goes to the Ocean Conservancy for their research on marine debris and their International Coastal Cleanup report. The app will track your progress and you will earn badges to reward your achievements! This is great for those who want to do cleanups on their daily walks, at small access areas, or whenever they feel inspired. For more information and to download the app, visit:

https://oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/international-coastal-cleanup/cleanswell/

You do not need to hit "respond" to this need - just download the app and start cleaning up!

A few guidelines: 

Always use gloves when picking up trash. Use common sense - beware of sharp items, ticks, poison ivy, and don't lift anything too heavy.  Never fill up trash barrels so others can't use them, or leave bags of trash to be picked up without arranging it with the town or park manager. Be prepared to take it home with you! This posting is geared toward individual and small group cleanups. Larger groups must be permitted through the town or park.