Water Clean-Up Suggested Guidelines

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• We all know our Waters have taken on many undesirable things no matter where you are located in the world. That is why we ask every

concerned citizen to consider cleaning up your Watershed. 

Please

prioritize these protocols and clearly communicate them to your crew prior to clean-up action day, as well as on site to all interested stewards of your communities. 

In addition please be aware of any region specific protocols needing to be taught beforehand. Specifically for how to deal

with waste of a hazardous nature.

As a promoter of health and wellbeing for our Waters it is important to take care first of ourselves and our youth. It is very important for our youth to always be accompanied by an adult. If youth are present, a recommended safety method has been to offer little red surveyor flags for the children to mark any and all spots found containing any

dangerous waste, and to have an adult do the removal.

Please be mindful: This means communicating beforehand clearly and specifically what biohazards may look like to avoid any confusion or harm.

Maybe consider some questions for your crew to think about while being with the Waters:

Can we see the pollutants source?

 Is there a possible inspired solution you can bring forward? 

Is there an organization willing to sponsor your community efforts?

Here are some safety tips to consider for your Water Cleanup Day,

Organizer/ Team Leader:

Recommendations:

• Be aware of the weather conditions, forecast and terrain, check it

ahead of time. Please use your discretion, and awareness,

utilizing thoughtful decision-making based on the best outcome for

the conditions and terrain;

• Be a good relative. Let’s be mindful that we are coming into the

home of many creatures as we enter these natural territories. It is

important to do our best to not disturb the natural environment,

while still letting our presence be known to our relatives;

• Perhaps, you might like to sing a song so as not to surprise any

creatures giving them good notice of your movements and

presence; Another way could be dragging a walking stick so the

relatives can sense your vibration if not your voice.

• As an organizer be sure to exchange names and phone numbers

with your stewards.

• It is suggested to offer liability waivers stating any and all rules

and protocols.

• Be available for check-in and give a clear indication of the terrain

path and/or the nature of the Water, including the area being

cleaned, where you desire the group to stay within and any private

property boundaries.

• Have designated meeting points and times to gather before and

after cleanup for prayer, sharing, input, questions and or concerns

your stewards may be wanting to offer. It is suggested to have a

person manning this point of contact for the duration.

• Ask who might be leaving early so everyone is accounted for at

the end of the day.

• Be aware of how each other is doing, designated adults keep

younger team members in line-of-sight, make sure no one

wanders too far or takes any unnecessary risks especially around

the Waters.

• Take breaks to enjoy the beauty and life that is all around you.

• Eye protection is essential, because when we are focused on a

piece of trash, very often our eyes do not see or focus on

branches and weeds we may encounter in the forefront of our

view. Glasses saved many an eyeball from being poked;

• Wearing good socks, shoes or boots are also important. Thick

soled and supportive footwear is highly recommended in all areas,

but especially urban areas due to the type of waste as mentioned

above;

• Long pants and sleeves help prevent scratches or pokes but also

give added protection from the sun and insects.

• Sun protection is important, so consider bringing extra to share;

• Wide-brim hats are recommended for sun protection, and weather conditions, also for forested areas inhabiting creatures on leaves

and in trees, i.e, ticks, spiders;

• Be sure to have an adequate first aid kit available and identify

ahead of time if anyone in your group has any level of first aid

training;

• If you are working around swift Water or ocean waves, give an instructional talk beforehand for how to behave in such situations;

• Bring and use hand sanitizer before and after the shift;

• It is a good practice to bring a mask with you, for the times you may come upon a more unpleasant piece of garbage;

• Remember to always use a debris stick and not your hands to sift through leaves, brush or through the Waters. 

This is to prevent harm to fingers and hands from human waste that can injure or contaminate, but also animal bites, or toxic debris. Also letting

the smaller animals know your coming;

• Then there are the gloves. This can depend on the type of pick up being done.

Picking up trash in the Water requires a latex or

rubber glove rather than leather gloves for debris on dry ground;

•Singing positive songs and chants while you are cleaning builds camaraderie and community. But also, be your gift to the Waters you serve an d who serve you. This can also be a time of prayer and meditation. A time of listening to the messages from the Waters both

inside and out. 

If you are in meditation be aware to use your stick, loud steps, or dragging of feet to let the animals know you're there. 

This is a practice of presence and awareness if we allow it to be. And there are a number of things to consider when by thee Waters.

• And of course, bring some snacks and fresh clean Water to nourish and hydrate. Fruit is a great way to hydrate and it is easy

to bring for a nice refreshment next to the Waters.

As a responsible stewards we recommend that each community leads find an appropriate and

safe form of waste disposal. 

Typically there are designated trash receptacles in urban areas within the vicinity. If this is not available and assistance is needed for disposal please contact your local authorities for support. 

If bio waste is present you can call a

local biohazard center and they can help you find or offer a container for such debris in which the community can have access.

Remember to consult your local forecast before scheduling your cleanups, as high Waters and currents can fluctuate with weather. Be cognizant of the temperatures and bring your community mindset.

When possible use the buddy system. If anyone gets in trouble or injured, alert the team lead immediately, no matter how minor an

incident. 

The hope is these efforts will be done as a community but if you find yourself in service alone keep it a safe experience and one you will enjoy.

We encourage you to use this time of service to get to know those in your community who share a love and appreciation for water. Maybe share a meal at the end to celebrate your success. Let’s use this time to

inspire and be inspired by the change we embody as Water, for Water and with Water.

Allow for wonderment and enjoyment in this experience and remember it is the love for our

Waters that inspires this level of service so let’s find as many

expressions of that love as

possible in our experience.