Join Beach Sweeps Across NJ Shore Towns to Clean Litter and Protect Marine Life

Clean Ocean Action will host Beach Sweeps across Atlantic and Cape May County shore towns from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11. People of all ages can sign up to clean sites in Atlantic City, Brigantine, Ventnor, Margate, Longport, and other spots.

Since 1985, over 176,000 people have pitched in. They've hauled away more than 8.7 million pieces of trash from the sand.

The work protects sea creatures and coastal towns while stopping pollution before it spreads. Beach captains will guide groups and hand out data cards. Each person records what they find.

According to Downbeach.com, the group studies this information to spot patterns in ocean trash. They use what they learn to push for stronger rules that cut down on waste and keep animals safe at local, state, and federal levels.

Everyone must register first, sign a waiver and photo release, and wear gloves and closed-toe shoes. Dress for whatever weather comes. Bring a bucket if you have one, though beach captains will hand out other supplies.

Atlantic County meetup locations include Florida Avenue, Albany Avenue, and Connecticut Avenue in Atlantic City. Brigantine participants will gather at 17th Street at the Beach Patrol building. Longport volunteers meet at 33rd and Atlantic Avenue, while Margate participants gather at Granville Avenue, and Ventnor City volunteers meet at Newport Avenue.

Cape May County sites include 30th Street Boardwalk in Avalon, the Nature Center in Cape May, and Hereford Inlet Beach in North Wildwood. Ocean City volunteers will meet at the Music Pier, Sea Isle City participants gather at the boardwalk at JFK Boulevard, and Stone Harbor volunteers meet at 95th Street. Strathmere, Villas, Wildwood Crest, and Wildwood also have designated meetup spots.

A bayside cleanup happens on Saturday, April 18, along Wellington Avenue. Meet at Pickle Juice in Ventnor Plaza shopping center at 9 a.m. before heading out to clean the roadside. Registration for that event closes April 13 by calling Frank Sagen at 609-214-8433.

One Cape May location at 2nd Avenue will also hold its cleanup on Saturday, April 18, instead of April 11.