River Clean (Via SUP / Kayak) – World Rivers Day

To Register and for details refer to Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/1ZaPp4JkR

River Clean – World Rivers Day!

In collaboration with Norwich Paddleboard Hire.

Are you interested in joining a river clean via stand-up paddleboard (SUP), kayak or canoe?

Bring your own SUP / kayak, you must be confident on the water and able to swim and have had previous experience on a SUP / kayak.

There are paddleboards to hire through Norwich Paddleboard Hire at a discounted rate of £10!

You sign up at your own risk.

If you're hiring a SUP, you must be confident on the water and able to swim. And ideally have had previous experience on a SUP.

If you have your own board, you must have a valid waterways licence (i.e. British Canoeing membership).

Location: Gibraltar Gardens, 288 Heigham St, Norwich NR2 4LZ.

Date*: Sunday 24th September.

Time*: From 11:00am (sunset 6:49pm).

* Note: Time/date may be subject to change, please RSVP on this event to keep up to date with any changes to this event.

THIS EVENT IS WEATHER DEPENDENT! If the wind speed is too high (above 15mph) it is not suitable for river cleaning via paddleboard), so please make sure you're registered to keep up to date of any changes / cancellations!

It’s claimed that 80% of ocean plastic comes from land-based sources, so it’s just as important to litter pick along rivers and waterways as they lead to the sea!

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, FOLLOWING SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES, GENERAL COMMON SENSE AND THE ADVISED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS...

HOW LONG? Clean up for as long as you're comfortable with. Generally, we will clean up for around two hours or more, depending on weather conditions or other factors. Sunset is approx. 6:49pm, so it's not advised to litter pick after dark for obvious reasons...

WHAT TO BRING? We have plenty of litter picking equipment for you to borrow but if you have your own please bring it.

Please note: if you lose a litter picker in the water, a £10 donation would be expected to cover the costs of a replacement. We have protective gloves, bin bags and litter pickers. All you need to bring is yourself and your paddleboard equipment (see below), plus anything else you'll need throughout the river clean (i.e., drink/snack, hand sanitiser, extra bin bags, etc).

Paddleboard Gear: You will need to provide this yourself:

* Paddleboard.

* Fin.

* Safety Leash.

* PFD (Personal Floatation Device).

* Waterways Licence (i.e. British Canoeing Membership).

WHAT TO WEAR? A personal floatation device (PFD) is essential. A wetsuit may be suitable and neoprene boots if you have them; also bring a spare change of clothes and a towel just in case you get wet (you can leave this in your car).

If you have a dry bag to store your personal belongings to avoid them getting wet, that'd be ideal. It's important to wear protective gloves but also to wash your hands after litter picking! Wear appropriate footwear (protect against sharp objects if you for whatever reason decide to get off your paddleboard). Check the weather before you go (you may need a coat or sun protection).

WHERE TO PUT THE RUBBISH? This will be decided on the day. At the end of the event, the clean-up organiser will weigh the rubbish collected. It will then be recorded, 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).

* 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.

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

* Do not attempt to remove dead or live animals. Report it to the event organiser.

* Any needles or drug paraphernalia needs to be left alone. Report it to the event organiser.

* Clean hands thoroughly before eating food or drinking.

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

* Wear suitable shoes and weather & activity appropriate clothing.

* Do not overfill bin bags and avoid lifting heavy objects or sacks alone.

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

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

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

SUP Related Safety:

* Always have your leash attached (ankle or waist).

* Always wear a PDF / life vest.

* Don't go out on your own, buddy teams will be co-ordinated on the day.

* Ensure any cuts or abrasions are clean and covered with a waterproof plaster, contact with contaminated river water could (very rare) lead to a bacterial infection called Weil's disease.

* Avoid contact with eyes and mouth if you've got river water on your hands.

* On a SUP, the most stable and suitable position is kneeling. If you suffer from poor circulation, reconsider attempting a river clean via SUP and litter pick on land along the river instead.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, you are responsible for your own safety and should not assume the clean-up organiser would be liable for anything that should happen to you during the litter pick.

SHARE! SPREAD THE WORD! Please SHARE on social media any photos of the clean-up 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!

I’m an ocean activist and ambassador for many organisations who share one common goal – to #SaveTheOcean!

Thank you!