Beach Guardians

Tackle Plastic Pollution on Our Shores

Plastic pollution doesn’t end once it reaches the water — it washes onto our beaches, collects in marshes, and flows through rivers. Cigarette butts, bottle caps, straws, food wrappers, and other single-use plastics are consistently among the top items found during our cleanups. Globally, researchers estimate that up to 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, impacting marine life like seabirds, turtles, dolphins, and whales, while breaking down into microplastics that contaminate our food, water, and air.

The Surfrider Foundation’s Beach Guardians program empowers volunteers to take action at the shoreline. Guardians lead cleanups, track and report the litter they collect, and help us better understand the sources and impacts of pollution on our coast. This community-driven data fuels our campaigns, supports stronger plastic reduction policies, and raises awareness that every piece picked up makes a difference. Together, we can restore our waterways and protect the health of our ocean — one cleanup at a time.

Choose your shoreline
Pick a site you care about—beach, river, marsh, sound, or inlet.
Watch an Orientation
1.08.2026: Rogers Memorial Library, Southampton
https://surfrider-org.zoom.us/clips/share/Rdw_ICIvT3qzqLfGeagccQ
Sign up to be a Beach Guardian
Register on Golden: https://volunteer.surfrider.org/opportunities/ZVmR90g47K & reach out to us to confirm your participation. Email secretary@easternli.surfrider.org.
RSVP for training (get your kit)
Beach Guardian Training: March 18th, 6–7pm, Montauk Public Library Register: https://volunteer.surfrider.org/opportunities/uDbCYqhLJ0. You’ll receive your t-shirt and personal cleanup kit (bucket, gloves, grabber, scale).

Next Steps:

Plan your cleanup schedule

e.g.) Monthly on the 1st Saturday
Lead the cleanup
Bring your kit, collect debris, weigh all trash using your scale, and take before/after site photos (and group photos if public).
Make sure to save this list of helpful links to your device; they'll come in handy!
Submit your cleanup data (same day if possible)
Visit https://cleanups.surfrider.org/, select "Input Cleanup Data," then login or register for an account
Submit your environmental data (same day if possible)
Upload photos and total weight here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/3cd421179885482fb5394d5dd3ce5860

Things to keep in mind:

Monitor after major events
After hurricanes, king tides, or flooding, please complete another submission for your site to help us track erosion and storm impacts (use the same form).
Safety & best practices
Wear gloves; avoid sharp/hazardous items (note location if not safe to collect); watch tides and weather; bring water, sun protection, and closed-toe shoes; sort/ recycle where available; dispose of waste properly.
Stay involved
Host monthly cleanups, invite friends/neighbors, and share photos/results with us so we can highlight your impact.

Questions or Concerns? Email: secretary@easternli.surfrider.org

Cleanup Kit & Gear – Receive a Beach Guardian t-shirt and personal cleanup kit (including reusable gloves, bucket, grabber, and scale) to support your efforts.
Recognition – Featured as an official Beach Guardian on Surfrider Bogue Banks platforms and celebrated at our annual Volunteer Recognition event.
Support & Promotion – Chapter leaders will help promote your public cleanups with graphics, volunteer sign-up links, and inclusion in our event calendar, newsletter, and social media.
Community Connection – Join a network of dedicated volunteers protecting our coastlines and share your impact alongside other Guardians.
Training & Resources – Access training on best practices for safe and effective cleanups, plus ongoing resources to strengthen your impact.
Leadership Opportunities – Build skills in event coordination, data collection, and community engagement while inspiring others to take action.
Direct Impact – Collect data on litter and erosion that contributes to local and global research, helping shape stronger policies to protect our coast.
Be a Coastal Steward – Play a visible, hands-on role in protecting beaches, waterways, and wildlife along the Crystal Coast.

Beach Guardians

Tackle Plastic Pollution on Our Shores

The Beach Guardians program empowers volunteers to protect our coastlines by leading cleanups, collecting data, and raising awareness so that our communities can enjoy a healthier, cleaner ocean.

How To Participate

Why Join Us?

Contacts