For the 35th time, volunteers for Operation Clean Sweep will remove trash and debris from around San Diego Bay at both public and private sites Saturday.
Volunteer divers, boaters and walkers worked in Barrio Logan, Chula Vista, Coronado, the Embarcadero, Harbor Island, Imperial Beach, National City, Seaport Village and Shelter Island.
“The Port of San Diego is proud to support Operation Clean Sweep, and we are grateful to all our partners, sponsors and volunteers for helping clean up San Diego Bay and the surrounding waterfront,” said Danielle Moore, chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Events like this are especially important because they bring the community together as environmental champions to help care for, protect and make a lasting impact on our bayfront so it can be enjoyed for years to come.”
Operation Clean Sweep is expecting more than 1,000 volunteers this year and many of the cleanup sites are family-friendly. In addition, youth and members of the military can earn eight hours of community service. All cleanup materials are provided, including bags, gloves, and in some case trash pickers, according to a port statement.
Those volunteering Saturday received a free T-shirt and were invited to an after-party hosted by the San Diego Working Waterfront at Shelter Island Shoreline Park on Shelter Island.
“For 35 years, the San Diego Working Waterfront has organized this community event for our five port cities, and every year, we are grateful to all our waterfront workers and the public who spend a Saturday helping make their neighborhoods look great,” said San Diego Working Waterfront President Sharon Cloward. “The family participation is phenomenal, as are the volunteer divers and boaters who comb under and over the water for trash.”
On Aug. 10, in celebration of the U.S. Coast Guard sailing ship Eagle visiting San Diego for the first time in 17 years, Coast Guard Eagle cadets participated in a mini Operation Clean Sweep along the Embarcadero.
Those interested in last minute registration for volunteering can learn more and register at sdworkingwaterfront.com/events/operation-clean-sweep. To register, volunteers must complete a waiver and bring a signed copy to their chosen cleanup site.
