Join the Tradition with Beach Sweep/River Sweep and Tidewater & Lowcountry Conservancy
Updated: Jul 27
South Carolina’s waterways face a growing challenge: litter and pollution threaten the health of beaches, rivers, lakes, creeks, and wetlands. Since 1988, thousands of volunteers have answered this call by participating in Beach Sweep/River Sweep, the largest volunteer litter-cleanup event on the state's waterways. Taking place every third Saturday in September (Sept 19th), this event brings communities together to restore and protect the natural beauty of South Carolina’s waters. If you want to make a real difference, this is a perfect way to get involved.
What Makes Beach Sweep/River Sweep Special
Beach Sweep/River Sweep is more than just a clean up event. It is a statewide tradition that connects people with nature and their communities. Every year, thousands of volunteers gather to remove trash from places where litter often accumulates but is hard to reach. This includes:
Sandy beaches along the coast
Riverbanks winding through towns
Lakeshores used for recreation
Wetlands that support diverse wildlife
The event’s timing in September helps prepare these areas for the fall and winter seasons, reducing pollution that can harm fish, birds, and other wildlife. It also raises awareness about the impact of litter on ecosystems and encourages ongoing care.
How You Can Get Involved and join
Tidewater & Lowcountry Conservancy is participating as a Site Captain and build a small team representing TLC. Volunteering for this event not only helps clean up South Carolina’s waterways but also builds a sense of community pride and responsibility.
The Impact of Beach Sweep/River Sweep
Since its start in 1988, Beach Sweep/River Sweep has removed millions of pounds of trash from South Carolina’s waterways. This ongoing effort has led to:
Cleaner beaches that attract more visitors and support local economies
Healthier habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife
Reduced pollution that can harm water quality and public health
Increased public awareness about litter prevention and environmental care
Beach Sweep/River Sweep is organized by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium in partnership with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources; SCDNR's website - https://sweep-scdnr.hub.arcgis.com/.
Each piece of trash collected is one less threat to the environment. Volunteers often find surprising items like fishing gear, plastic bottles, and even tires, showing how widespread litter can be. The event’s success depends on continued participation and support from people who care.
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