River Clean – Rivers Day!

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

Bring your own SUP / kayak or arrange your own hire of a SUP from Norfolk Paddle Boards (based at The River Garden pub - contact Norfolk Paddle Boards for price, availability & booking).

If you're hiring a SUP, you must be experienced and confident on the water and able to swim. You're liable for your own safety and items you bring with you.

Location: River Yare, Norwich (From The Boathouse, Yarmouth Road, Norwich).

Date: Sunday 26th September.

Time: From 1:30pm (sunset approx. 6:41pm).

THIS EVENT IS WEATHER DEPENDENT!

If the wind speed is too high (above 12mph) it is not suitable for river cleaning via paddleboard).

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 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. 6:41pm, so it's not advised to litter pick after dark for obvious reasons...

WHAT TO BRING?

We have plenty equipment for you to borrow but if you have your own please bring it. We have protective gloves, bin bags, bag hoops and litter pickers.

All you need to bring is yourself and anything else you'll need throughout the river clean (i.e., drink/snack, hand sanitiser, extra bin bags, etc).

WHAT TO WEAR?

A personal floatation device (PFD) is essential, including the safety leash that you must attach to your paddleboard!

A wetsuit may be suitable, bring a spare change of clothes and a towel just in case you get wet.

It's important to wear protective gloves but also to wash your hands after litter picking!

Wear appropriate footwear (protect against sharp objects).

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!

River Clean (Via SUP / Kayak) – Rivers Day