Apr 2024: Heacham Beach Clean

This event is also advertised on Facebook here: https://fb.me/e/4aqc3Z5uC

Heacham - Beach Clean!

Location: Heacham Beach: Meet at the entrance on the beach at South beach Heacham.

Date*: Saturday 13th April. Time*: Arrive before 10:00am, Start approx. 10:10am (after briefing). * Note: Time/date may be subject to change, please RSVP on this event to keep up to date with any changes to this event.

Parking: Heacham South Beach Car Park: 11 South Beach, Heacham, King's Lynn, PE31 7LH. Car Park Details Here: https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/.../heacham_-_south_beach

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING: THERE WILL BE A SAFETY BRIEFING ON THE DAY, HOWEVER PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE ATTENDING THE EVENT ANYWAY.

YOU SIGN UP ON YOUR OWN ACCORD AND GO ABOUT THE BEACH CLEAN FOLLOWING GENERAL COMMON SENSE AND THE ADVISED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS...

HOW LONG?

We'll clean-up for around 1-2 hours, dependent on the weather conditions or other factors on the day. If you're unable to do the full 2 hours, that is not an issue, leave the rubbish and equipment where instructed on the day during the briefing.

WHAT TO BRING?

We have plenty equipment for you to borrow... We have protective gloves, reusable bags, bag hoops and litter pickers. All you need to bring is yourself and anything else you'll need throughout the beach clean (i.e., drink/snack, hand sanitiser, extra bin bags, etc).

WHAT TO WEAR?

It's important to wear protective gloves but also to wash your hands after the beach clean! Wear appropriate footwear (there could be broken glass). Check the weather before you go (you may need a coat).

WHERE TO PUT THE RUBBISH?

This will be decided on the day and explained in the briefing. At the end of the event, the beach clean organiser will weigh the rubbish collected. It will then be disposed of properly and an update will go out on social media for all that attended are aware of the end result of your MASSIVE effort!!!

SAFETY BRIEFING:

* Avoid direct contact with litter at all times (wear gloves & use litter picker).

* Do not touch or attempt to remove dead or live animals. This is especially important due to the risk of spreading Avian Flu. Report any dead animals found to the event organiser.

* Be aware of your environment and do not put yourself at risk whilst picking litter.

* Do not pick when visibility is poor and only pick in daylight hours. This shouldn't be the case as I wouldn't organise one befroe sunrise or after sunset.

* Do not pick up any items that cannot easily be identified or where they are clearly hazardous. Report it to the event organiser.

* Use a litter picking tool where possible for any sharp / hazardous items. DO NOT use your hands.

* Any needles or drug paraphernalia needs to be left alone. Report it to the event organiser. A sharps bin is available at the meeting point for needles if required.

* Clean hands thoroughly before eating food or drinking.

* Rubbish should not be compressed using hands or feet as this could accidently puncture the skin.

* Avoid contact with the body when carrying rubbish sacks, just incase there are any shark objects.

* Ensure any cuts or abrasions are clean and covered with a waterproof plaster. There is a first aid kit available if needed.

* Wear suitable shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Check weather forecast to make your own judgement.

* Stay clear of the water. Do not go into the water to retrieve litter, if it's within reaching distance you do so at your own risk.

* Do not overfill rubbish sacks and avoid lifting heavy objects or sacks alone. You can always bring the rubbish sack back to the meeting point and swap with an empty sack if you want to continue.

* Follow local rules as well as our guidelines, including safe and lawful parking.

* Do not confront anyone you see littering or dog fouling.

* Children must be supervised at all times by their legal guardian or person(s) above age 18.

* Do not allow children to wander freely, alone, and out of sight.

* Work within children’s capacity – usually no more than 1 hour at a time and no more than three hours in total.

* Ensure you’ve got suitable refreshments such as bottled water with you during the clean-up.

DISCLAIMER:

Please note, you are responsible for your own safety and should not assume the beach clean organiser would be liable for anything that should happen to you during the beach clean.

SHARE! SPREAD THE WORD!

Please SHARE on social media any photos of the beach clean to spread the awareness of these important clean-up efforts! And to get people from all ages and backgrounds involved, it's rewarding on so many levels, socially, physically, positive for mental wellbeing, has a positive outcome on the environment and the marine life!

Thank you!