Help clean up our beaches

Operation Clean Sweeps, marina and beach cleanups have been on several city calendars these past few months, as county and harbor officials stress to water users the importance of keeping beaches clean.

Santa Barbara Harbor recently held a cleanup where volunteers spent several hours plucking debris off the harbor floor. Bicycles, steering wheels and boat liners were a few of the strange items removed from the bay. Dana Point Harbor will host its annual Underwater Cleanup, May 10. Residents, boaters and users of the bay are invited to volunteer some of their time helping divers and marina staff to rid the marina of discarded items. The cleanup takes place from 8 a.m. to non at Dana West Marina, 24500 Dana Point Harbor.

Heal the Bay hosts monthly cleanup events as does the Ocean Conservancy and Save Our Beach.

Boat owners, cruisers, harbor goers and others who enjoy spending time at the beach are encouraged to find out more about cleanup events taking place in their community. An hour or two spent sprucing up local beaches and marinas will be appreciated by all.