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Beach Guardian Program

Your Beach. Your Impact.

The Surfrider Foundation Beach Guardian Program empowers everyday people to take action where it matters most—on their local beaches. Through cleanups, coastal monitoring, and community science, Beach Guardians are helping protect our ocean while shaping real policy change.

On your own time. In your own way.

What is the Beach Guardian Program?

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Launched by Surfrider’s Maine Chapter, the Beach Guardian Program connects volunteers with the tools, training, and community needed to protect their local coastline.

At its core, the program is about consistent, local stewardship—done on your terms.

Beach Guardians adopt a beach or coastal area and:

  • Conduct cleanups
  • Monitor environmental conditions
  • Collect and submit data
SIGN UP TODAY

Unlike traditional volunteer programs, this model is designed to be flexible and self-led.

You don’t need to attend scheduled events—you can show up when it works for you, whether that’s a solo walk, a weekend cleanup, or a quick check-in after a storm.

Beach Guardians don’t just clean beaches—they help build the data that drives change. Just as important as what Beach Guardians do is how they do it. By removing barriers like fixed schedules and group requirements, the program makes it easier for more people to take part—expanding impact across more miles of coastline.

How It Works

1. Sign Up
Choose a location that matters to you.

2. Get Trained
Learn how to safely clean, monitor, and collect data.

3. Take Action—Your Way
Visit your beach on your own schedule—monthly, quarterly, or whenever you’re able. Go solo, bring a friend, or make it part of your routine.

4. Submit Data
Upload what you find to contribute to national tracking efforts.

5. Stay Connected
Join optional meetups to share insights and build community.

SIGN UP TODAY
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Why Become a Beach Guardian?

 

As a Beach Guardian, you will:

  • Make a tangible impact on your local environment
  • Gain hands-on experience in environmental monitoring
  • Contribute to real policy change
  • Join a passionate, like-minded community
  • Volunteer in a way that fits your schedule and lifestyle

 

Resources to get started:

Where Beach Guardians Are Making an Impact

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