America Celebrates National Clean Beaches Week; Governors, Mayors, Beaches Embrace Week (June 27-July 3); Kick-Off for Healthy Beach Pledge

WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Governors, mayors, and beach communities across the country announced today that they have proclaimed the week of June 27th as National Clean Beaches Week, emphasizing four (4) major themes of importance to beachgoers: environment, travel, healthy seafood, and recreation (see list of mayors and governors below). To mark the week Reps. E. Clay Shaw (R-FL) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ), chairmen of the House Coastal Caucus, introduced a House Resolution recognizing the environmental and recreational value of beaches, calling for Americans to celebrate National Clean Beaches Week.

“Clean Beaches Week highlights the extraordinary role healthy beaches play in the lives of all Americans. The public response to this celebration has been overwhelming - it’s more than we ever imagined,” stated Will Rushton, coordinator for National Clean Beaches Week.

Each year approximately 180 million Americans make 2 billion visits to ocean, gulf, and inland beaches. “Of course, as anyone who has ever built a sand castle or enjoyed a long walk on the beach can attest, the value of this natural resource cannot be reduced to mere statistics,” stated New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in a proclamation declaring the week.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had similar accolades for the week, stating, “This week we celebrate our proud tradition of environmental stewardship and reaffirm our commitment to keep our beaches cleaner and our marine life healthier.”

“Given the large number of people frequenting our nation’s beaches and the significant revenues derived thereof, it is fitting that we protect this great natural resource,” remarked Congressman Jeff Miller (R-FL). He continued, “Thousands of volunteers have further participated, spending long hours helping to save and preserve our nation’s coastline.”

Clean Beaches Week is also the official kick-off for the national clean beach pledge, which runs through Labor Day. Beachgoers everywhere are asked to promote four healthy themes of National Clean Beaches Week (environment, healthy seafood, travel, and recreation / fitness) by pledging to: 1) leave no trace at the beach, 2) walk one mile on the beach, 3) enjoy one healthy seafood meal, and 4) swim, surf, boat responsively. Pledge information can be found online at http://www.cleanbeaches.org .

“National Clean Beaches Week is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of clean and healthy beaches,” said Kriss Titus, executive director of the Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council in Florida. “As a destination with 16 Blue Wave Certified Beaches, we value the role the Clean Beaches Council plays in helping vacationers select beaches that are managed in a way that protects the environment and beach wildlife.”

Clean Beaches Council applauds all the states, cities, beaches, organizations, and individuals that have embraced this national celebration. The following is a list of Mayors and Governors who support National Clean Beaches Week.

---

Proclamations and Letters of Support:

Cities:

Boston

Charleston

Cleveland

Detroit

Erie (PA)

Ft. Lauderdale

Galveston (TX)

Green Bay (WI)

Hampton (VA)

Hilton Head (SC)

Jacksonville

Los Angeles

Myrtle Beach (SC)

New Orleans

New York

Orlando

Palm Bay (FL)

Rockport (TX)

San Diego

San Francisco

Sarasota (FL)

Seattle

St. Petersburg (FL)

Tampa

Virginia Beach

Whiting (IN)

Zion (IL)

--

States:

Alabama

California

Connecticut

Delaware

Hawaii

Louisiana

Maryland

Michigan

Mississippi

New Hampshire

New York

North Carolina

Oregon

South Carolina

Virginia

Washington

Wisconsin

Contact Information

Carrie Collins

Media Contact

Clean Beaches Council

Contact via E-mail