Activists to Stage Nationwide Paddle Out Event to Raise Awareness of Water Quality September 8, 2006 This Saturday, September 9th, Surfrider Foundation activists from across the country will be taking to the water in the 3rd annual Surfrider Foundation Paddle for Clean Water. As part of the event, participants will be using surfboards, body boards and kayaks to paddle out into the surf to raise awareness and support for raising coastal water quality throughout the nation.
"Declination of near-shore water quality remains one of the biggest threats to our world's beaches and coastlines," says Surfrider Foundation Executive Director, Jim Moriarty. "Not only does it diminish or destroy marine habitats, it poses a significant risk to the health and welfare of the beach-going public."
This year's event will be taking place at dozens of coastal locations across the country.
"Last year we had several thousand activists take to the water," says event organizer Nancy Hastings. "We even had surfers from our Washington D.C. chapter paddling out on the Potomac River."
Surfrider Foundation is also using its National Paddle for Clean Water event to highlight the release of its annual State of the Beach report. Now in its seventh year, the State of the Beach report is the only comprehensive survey of national beach and coastal health in existence. The report looks at several beach health indicators, such as erosion, shoreline structures, beach access, ecology, surfing and recreational opportunities and of course, water quality.
To find out more about Surfrider Foundation's National Paddle for Clean Water, including where to find an event location near you, go to www.paddle4cleanwater.com.
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of our world's oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 64 chapters across the United States and Puerto Rico, with international affiliates in Australia, Europe, Japan and Brazil. For more information or to join the Surfrider Foundation go to www.surfrider.org.
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