Caring for Our Waters and Beaches

Often, our safety blog mentions the wonders of boating, beaches and the open water. Our oceans truly are marvelous and something we want future generations to have the opportunities to experience. Today, let’s talk about caring for our waters and beaches on World Ocean Day and beyond.

What is World Ocean Day?

Each year on June 8^th, over 140 countries celebrate World Ocean Day. According to the official website, the concept was originally proposed in 1992 by Canada's International Centre for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada. It began at the Earth Summit – U.N. Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

When it comes to caring for our waters, the goal of World Ocean Day seems ambitious. The 2021 Conservation Action Focus is protecting at least 30% of our blue planet for a healthy ocean and climate. Fortunately, with only a few changes and action items, each individual can do their part to help achieve this objective.

On World Ocean Day, people across the globe are encouraged to celebrate and care for our waters, which connect us all. By working together, the goal is to protect and restore our shared ocean.

To learn more about this growing global celebration, visit the official website.

Caring for Our Waters and Beaches

Beyond activism, there are plenty of ways each of us can do our part at home. Caring for our waters and beaches is something anyone can do. Each year, many beaches attract millions of visitors. However, some of these people may not be as eco-friendly as others, leaving garbage behind when they leave.

Picking Up Trash and Recycling

While it is true that some garbage can eventually biodegrade, the grand majority of trash left behind tends to be plastics or metals. Sadly, these bits of rubbish aren’t going anywhere. Old cans left on the sand or carried into the open water will rust. Besides harming the delicate local ecosystem, sharp metal edges can also be a nasty surprise for anyone who steps on them.

With this in mind, how can we keep the open waters and beaches as clean as possible? First things first, be sure to pick up after yourself. Don’t leave anything behind. Beyond this, recycling can also greatly help to prevent additional damage from affecting the earth.

Here are just a few types of garbage that can be recycled:

• Plastic bottles
• Metal cans and containers
• Paper goods

Lend a Hand

Beyond picking up your own trash, there are some steps you can take. If you see litter, throw it away. It may be a small help, but over time, and with enough folks helping out, it can really help to clean up a beach.

In fact, many people volunteer to help clean up what others leave behind. These caring folks take a section of a beach or waterway and spend the day collecting recyclables. Litter is everyone’s problem. It pays to help out.

During your next visit to a beach, speak with the trained lifeguard to learn more about these programs. Beyond recognizing drowning swimmers, these helpful people are often quite knowledgeable about ways of caring for our waters and beaches.