Give back to the shore, join COA Spring Beach Sweeps State's longest-running volunteer cleanup takes place April 26 SANDY HOOK - Clean Ocean Action (COA) invites citizens and organizations to participate in the 23rd annual Spring Beach Sweeps on Saturday, April 26, at more than 60 sites along the New Jersey coast. The sweeps begin at 9 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m., rain or shine. COA's Beach Sweeps is the largest grassroots environmental event in the state and the longest-running volunteer cleanup in the United States. Since it began in 1985, over 70,000 volunteers have removed and cataloged over 3 million pounds of debris from the Jersey Shore. The information collected at the sweeps helps identify pollution problems, aid legislators in enacting laws to protect our marine environment, and inform local and international efforts to combat marine pollution. The Beach Sweeps is an opportunity for citizens and visitors to give back to their local marine environment. The cleanups also educate individuals about the nonpoint source pollution or "pointless" pollution that threatens our ocean. Monmouth County sites where volunteers will meet include: Deal, Philips Avenue beach; Keyport, Cedar Street Park; Long Branch (meet at Turning Point Café in Pier Village or Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park); Middletown (four sites: Leonardo Public Beach North, Leonardo Public Beach South at Beach Avenue, Ideal Beach at Ocean Avenue & Bayside Parkway, and Bayshore Waterfront Park at the Fishing Pier parking lot next to Seabrook/Wilson House). Also, Monmouth Beach (public access point at the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center and Bathing Pavilion); Sandy Hook (parking lot E); and Sea Bright (four sites: Anchorage parking lot north of Rumson/Sea Bright Bridge, Gaiter's Restaurant, Mirasol Restaurant, public beach parking lot). COA encourages participation from volunteers of all ages, as well as individuals, families and groups. Groups of 10 or more are requested to preregister by calling (732) 872-0111, or using the online sign-up form on COA's Web site. Preregistration for individuals or groups of fewer than 10 is not required. Volunteers should bring gloves, dress for the weather, apply sunscreen, and wear closed-toed, hard-soled shoes. Beach captains will greet volunteers at each site and distribute cleanup materials. For a list of sites, the group sign-up form, and other tips, go to www.cleanoceanaction.org and follow the links for Beach Sweeps.