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A BIG NEW COASTSIDE IDEA.
Most people just do not understand the ocean. Signs don’t work. Only one-on-one human interaction will inform visitors.
This photo explains everything.
- See all the wet sand?
- Know how high or low the tide is coming or going?
- See how little dry sand there is?
- Notice how only one person is really concentrating on the ocean?
- One person has their back to the ocean.
In response, Coastside Buzz is creating an all volunteer beach safety ambassador program.
The three main goals of the Coastside Beach Ambassadors (CBA) is to increase awareness for the visitors who flock to our coastside beaches:
- Ocean mindfulness about tides, riptides and sneaker waves: “Never turn your back on the ocean” or “Always face the ocean”.
- Reminder to “pack it out”. When possible, we will provide a complimentary compostable trash bag as encouragement.
- Need for fishing permit to take ocean wildlife.
Beach Locations on the San Mateo County Coast
From South Half Moon Bay to Mavericks Beach
- Cowell Ranch Beach (State Parks)
- Miramontes Point Rd. (The Ritz) Beach (City HMB)
- Redondo Rd. Beach (City HMB)
- Poplar St. Beach (City HMB)
- South of St Francis State Beach (summer beach volleyball – City HMB)
- Kelly St / St. Francis Beach (State Parks)
- Venice Beach (State Parks)
- Sweetwood Camp Beach (State Parks)
- Dunes Beach (State Parks)
- Roosevelt Beach (State Parks)
- Miramar South Beach (SMCo County)
- Miramar North Beach (SMCo County)
- Mirada Beach (SMCo County)
- The Jetty / Surfer’s Beach (City HMB, Pillar Point Harbor, SMCo County)
- Mavericks Beach (San Mateo County Parks)
- Gray Whale Cove (State Parks)
Calling for Volunteer Ambassadors
Contact Michelle Dragony: [email protected]
Who, When, Where and How Does One Ambassador?
Who
Anyone who:
- emails Michelle Dragony and gets on our email list:
[email protected]
- watches our virtual tailgate training on how to approach people as an ambassador (we will get this up soon).
- teams up with at least two for safety, just like Coastside CERT. Larger groups of pairs, like friends and families, are great to blanket a beach’s entry points, especially during a high wave event. (Try not to approach people in more than two, as that might be intimidating). Exception to two-team rule might be runners or hikers on remote beaches.
- wears a vest with “Coastside Beach Amba
ssador” for ID/branding. You can buy from Full Source for $3.50 each (vest $2.50 and imprint $1).
Pyramex RV10 Non ANSI Safety Vest – Yellow/Lime
When
Once you have your vest you can ambassador when and where you like!
Like anywhere in the world….
Days: Any day you have time.
Hours: Daylight. Never at night. Never endanger yourself. Ambassadors are encouraged to ambassador as their schedule, enthusiasm and energy permits.
Scheduling: Neighborhood Beach Captains, like CERT, will manage their neighborhoods in that they will be a hub for garbage bags and information. Ambassadors can self-schedule.
You can email a picture of you at the beach you worked and the hours you worked. We will track that to show people what we are doing.
Example: Jim Sullivan Sets Pace For Coastside Beach Ambassadors With 65 Pounds in 3 Weeks
Teams of two are preferred for safety, like CERT.
Where
Where ever you are. Keep your vest and garbage bags at hand. You never know when you might find a need to ambassador!
Teams of two are preferred.
How
Teams of two are preferred.
Draft Script:
“Hi there! Sorry to interrupt, but we are Coastside Beach Ambassadors.
Possible introductions:
- “We have had several ocean deaths on the Coastside this year.”
- “Would you like a free garbage bag to pack your trash out?”
- “Excuse me, do you have a fishing permit.” (If you see fishing or creature taking).
Possible actions:
- Give garbage bags, only if needed. Don’t waste. There are two sizes, one for couples and one for families.
- Show QR code to wave, garbage and permit education on Coastside Buzz’s Coastside Beach Ambassador webpage.
Stay Tuned!
Is It a Good Idea?
Ian Cairns thinks so.
Australian Surf Champion Ian Cairns
Calling for Volunteer Ambassadors
Contact Michelle Dragony: [email protected]
More on Coastside Beach Ambassadors
on Coastside Buzz
Author: Coastside Buzz
Me
This is a great approach! Because for some people, signs DO NOT work.