1. START WITH A "SAFETY FIRST" COMMITMENT
     * Think "safety first" in how you improve the site, how you work, and how you safegaurd others.
     * If it's not safe, don't do it.  If you're not sure then don't do it.
     * Work in pairs with a partner not only for safety but also for assistance.  If you are collecting data on cards
        then you can work as a team with one person picking up debris and the other recording the information.

2. USE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR
     * Have and USE gloves, wear long pants (jeans recommended), long-sleeved shirts, and a hat.
     * Dress appropriately and be ready for a sudden change in the weather.
     * Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun even on cloudy days.
     * Take a complete first aid kit and know how to use it.

3.  WORK WITH BAGS SAFELY AND PICK UP DEBRIS EFFICIENTLY.
    * Always carry bags with your hands and down at your side, not over the shoulder.
    * Place bags on the beach -- don't throw them since you could hurt your arm, someone else, a plant or animal, or tear
       to break open immediately or later when being picked up.
    * Always place bags above the high tide line where they won't be washed away.
    * Fill one bag at a time only with enough debris so its weight won't be too heavy to pick up or carry back.
    * If you must carry the bag back then walk a reasonable distance and gather trash on the way back.
    * If the bags will be picked up from the beach then simply pick up trash as you go, leave the bags, and walk back.
    * Concentrate on non-biodegradable material such as plastics and glass.

4. BE AWARE AND AVOID AREA HAZARDS
    * Be extra cautious working near driftwood logs, coastal cliffs, or other potentially hazardous areas.
       (Logs can move, debris, loose soil, and rock can fall, and other things could happen to hurt you.
    * Remove obstacles and debris from your working space only if it is safe to do so.
    * Take a firm, balanced and comfortable stance while bagging marine and other debris.
    * Watch for unusually high waves -- the so-called "sneaker" or "rogue" waves, and beware of incoming tides.
    * Exercise caution near rocks and avoid logs in the surf.

5. USE BODY MOTION WISELY
    *Conserve motion and effort.
    * Protect your back by bending at the knees.
    * Change hand positions to avoid repetitive motion syndrome (tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, back strain, etc.)

6. PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
    * Don't pick up any kind of medical waste, oil, tar balls, oiled materials, or any other debris which could
       potentially be hazardous.  Flag its location with 3 driftwood sticks together in a line or like a tripod.  Report it
       to the Coordinator when you return.
    * Trash that is too heavy, large, or substantially buried should simply be flagged and left alone.
    * Ask for and offer help from your partner or other volunteers.
    * Ask the coordinator or crew leader for advice if you ever have any questions.
    * Ensure others are always at a safe distance while you are working.
    * Watch for others who may try to pass by you without getting your attention.  When someone comes along wait
       for them to pass if it's necessary to be safe.

7. LEAVE NATURAL ITEMS, PLANTS AND ANIMALS ALONE.
    *Driftwood, seaweed, dead or live animals and birds can be left where they are found.
    (If you believe an animal is in distress speak with the coordinator or crew leader immediately since the animal may
     actually not need help and if help is required then the proper authorities can be contacted quickly.
    * Shorebirds or other animals feeding or traveling on the beach should be left alone -- their very survival as
       individuals or as a species may actually depend on it -- don't disturb them and use up their energy reserves.

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