This page includes an archive of past events.
2021 Annual Meeting
In our third annual meeting on April 8 at 7pm, we gathered virtually to share the status of the organization with our community. Attendees heard from our Board of Directors, Executive Director, and staff members. We shared the highlights from 2020, a year unlike any other, and where we're headed in 2021. An especially exciting piece was unveiling our new Strategic Plan and sharing how this will advance our programming as we take strides towards achieving our mission. Check out the meeting via the link below and consider donating to support our work on the Ways to Give page.
2020 Annual Meeting
EVENT DETAILS
Thank you to everyone who attended our 2nd annual meeting and our first-ever virtual annual meeting! Watch the recording below or read our annual report here to review our 2019 accomplishments and to find out our 2020 and beyond plans.
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2020
When: 7pm - 8pm
Where: Virtual
Watch the Clean Ocean Access 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting
Meeting Breakdown: Opening Remarks – 00:10 Five Year Goals – 03:45 Finance – 06:45 Community Support – 10:45 Clean Program – 13:06 Ocean Program – 16:26 Access Program – 18:51 Education & Outreach – 20:50 Healthy Soils Healthy Seas Rhode Island–22:27 Marina Trash Skimmers– 29:24 Shrinkwrap Recycling – 33:00 Opportunities with COA– 35:19 Closing Remarks– 39:48 Questions & Answers– 43:03
THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 ANNUAL MEETING SPONSORS
ANNUAL MEETING & EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Show your commitment to eliminating marine debris, improving ocean health, and protecting and preserving shoreline access and become a business sponsor of our annual report! Enjoy high community visibility as being a leading partner in ocean health and environmental sustainability.
Stay tuned for information regarding our 2021 Annual Meeting!
Ready to inspire environmental stewardship and become a sponsor of our annual report? Download our Sponsorship Brochure below or call (401)-236-2561.
Swim Jamestown
August 5, 2019
Thank you to our sponsors!
Thank you to all the donors
[ditty_news_ticker id="9421"] [COUNTER_NUMBER id=9419]News Coverage
July 1, 2019 - Newport Daily News July 18, 2019 - Jamestown Press July 25, 2019 - Newport This Week August 6 , 2019 - Newport Patch August 6, 2019 - Providence Journal August 6, 2019 - MSN August 6, 2019 - WLNE ABC6 News August 8, 2019 - Jamestown Press2020 Newport Marathon
** Covid-19 Update - From Race Director - As we continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 Pandemic we have made the decision to temporarily close registration for this event until public health policies regarding large scale gatherings become clear again. **
EVENT DETAILS
Date and Time: The race is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2020. For further details please visit https://newportmarathon.com/race-info/
Registration: Clean Ocean Access will have 10 free entries into the 2020 Amica Newport Marathon & Half Marathon for runners who are committed to fundraising for COA through Crowdrise. You can use the code “Run4COA” to redeem a free entry into the race.
Please find the Crowdrisefundraising page for the 2020 Amica Newport Marathon & Half Marathon here: https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/2020-amica-newport-marathon
JOIN OUR TEAM
Clean Ocean Access is proud to be an event charitable partner. Please consider supporting our cause by joining our team. We have 10 free entries to give out to those who want to be ambassadors of COA and help fundraise for us, please contact [email protected] if you are interested.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Help us protect the course. We are seeking volunteers to protect the dunes and perform a course cleanup with us. If you would like to volunteer for COA contact us at [email protected] or visit https://www.cleanoceanaccess.org/action/volunteer/.
2021 Paddle for Access
EVENT DETAILS
Saturday, August 21, 2021 8am at the Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard
2021 Event Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors for this year’s event!
Additional Info
Can’t make the race? You can still help support our work to protect and preserve shoreline access throughout Rhode Island by donating through our GoFundMe Campaign. Additional information about rights-of-way and public access please visit our Access page or the Coastal Resources Management Council website. For further information please reach out via email.2020 Virtual Paddle for Access
The annual Paddle for Access event celebrates our ongoing work to protect and preserve shoreline access. We welcome individuals or teams to join the cause and sponsorship opportunities are available to sponsor the event or participants/teams.
VIRTUAL EVENT DETAILS
Date and Time: June 26th through August 15, 2020
How It Works: We’ve designed a 3 mile and 6 mile virtual race as well as multiple challenges grouped as: 1) Water Challenges 2 ) Land Challenges 3) Fundraising Challenges. You can register for either or both races and opt to participate in the different challenges via the PaddleGuru registration link. For the water racing challenges, we’ll be accepting a variety of tracking methods from apps. Please read further down the page for more details on challenges in each of these categories.
Registration: All registration will take place on PaddleGuru and will remain open through August 14th. All registration will take place on PaddleGuru and will remain open through August 14th. Participants are welcome and encouraged to join both the 3 and 6-mile race and to participate in more than one challenge. Your participation includes an invitation to further support us on GoFundMe where you can help raise funds to support our work. The link to your fundraising page will be sent in a separate email following registration. Please join us and help support our work to protect and preserve shoreline access throughout Rhode Island!
Cost: A one-time fee of $20 plus processing will go to support our work. ln addition to supporting our mission, the first 100 participants will receive a custom 2.5-liter dry bag with a clear pocket available for pickup at our office, 21 John Clarke Road, Middletown, RI 02842.
WATER CHALLENGES
We're hosting multiple water and land based challenges this year. Scroll through to find which challenges you want to do and keep in mind we welcome and encourage participants to compete in as many divisions and challenges as they can! To participate, competitors should utilize fitness trackers such as Garmin, Strava, SpeedCoach, MapMyRun or any other GPS watch apps. This is required for us to be able to verify your activity. To find out where the ROW’s are, please visit: ROW’s Map Water Races & Challenges- Fastest time for 3 and 6 mile races
- Largest total miles paddled during the 50-day period
- The largest number of miles paddled in one day
- The most amount of ROW’s visited (launched from, paddled too)
- 12’6 And Under SUP
- 14′ And Over SUP
- Prone All Sizes
- Sea Kayak - All Sizes
- Solo Canoe - All Sizes
LAND CHALLENGES
For competitors who wish to remain on land but want to support our work, we have devised a few additional challenges for you. Land Challenges- Most number of cleanups hosted
- Most amount of ROW’s visited on Aquidneck Island
- Most amount of ROW’s visited in Rhode Island
- Most amount of ROW site surveys
FUNDRAISING CHALLENGES
Our Paddle for Access race has historically been a major fundraiser that allows us to continue our work. To further support our mission, we encourage everyone on water or land to help raise funds and awareness for COA by joining our GoFundMe campaign. We encourage all participants to set a fundraising goal of $500 however for those who go above and beyond we have created additional goals.PRIZES
- All water and land challenge winners will receive a locally crafted medal to proudly show their support of COA!
- Participants that raise $250 will receive a COA branded t-shirt, stainless steel cup, and COA bag
- Participants that raise $500 will receive a COA branded sweatshirt, t-shirt, stainless steel cup, and COA bag.
- Participants that raise $1,000+ will receive a COA branded beach blanket, sweatshirt, t- shirt, stainless steel cup, and COA bag,
EVENT PURPOSE
Clean water and healthy oceans are critical to fun ocean events which is why we believe in action today so future generations can enjoy ocean activities. Shoreline access limitations inspired the roots of our organization back in 2006 and to this day it is the most important, yet least understood issue that we work on. The Paddle for Access event celebrates our work to monitor all 50 rights-of-way across Aquidneck Island and ensure everyone has access to the shoreline. The event also sheds light on many other issues that impact public access to the shoreline, including erosion, sea-level rise, invasive species and long term shoreline planning.ADDITIONAL INFO
Can't make the race? You can still help support our work to protect and preserve shoreline access throughout Rhode Island by donating here: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/paddle-for-access All results will be announced during the week of August 17th and prizes and medals will be available for pickup or delivered shortly thereafter. Additional information about rights-of-ways and public access please visit cleanoceanaccess.org or http://www.crmc.ri.gov/publicaccess.html For further information please contact us at [email protected]OUR 2020 EVENT SPONSORS
2019 RACE PHOTOS
Water pictures by Eric Full Boat pictures by Lorrie Burns Boat pictures by Ben Tuff Drone pictures by Veronica Brown Land pictures by Dave McLaughlinTHANK YOU TO OUR 2019 SPONSORS
AND OUR 2019 DAY OF EVENT SPONSORS
** Covid-19 Update – From Race Director – As we continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 Pandemic we have made the decision to temporarily close registration for this event until public health policies regarding large scale gatherings become clear again. **
EVENT DETAILS
Date and Time: The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2020. For further details please visit https://pellbridgerun.com/race-info/.
JOIN OUR TEAM
Clean Ocean Access is proud to be an event charitable partner. Please consider supporting our cause by joining our team. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
We are seeking volunteers to help us at a water station and to help keep the course clean. If you would like to volunteer for COA contact us at [email protected] or visit https://www.cleanoceanaccess.org/action/volunteer/.
2020 Swim to Skim
The Swim to Skim event hosted by Clean Ocean Access is a 1.2 mile swim in Newport Harbor in Newport, RI. The event celebrates our ongoing work to eliminate marine debris and improve coastal water quality on Aquidneck Island.
EVENT DETAILS
**UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL 2021 DUE TO THE COVID-19 HEALTH CRISIS. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS**
EVENT PURPOSE
Whether it is a desire for a clean beach for residents, an attractive coastline for our visitors, or a sincere interest in acting locally to have a positive impact on global ocean health, our CLEAN program exists to educate, inspire and empower the community to solve the problem of marine debris. The Swim to Skim event highlights improved water quality in Newport Harbor and emphasizes the importance of ocean health to Aquidneck Island’s economy. The event also celebrates the diversity of people that use our surrounding waterways and brings awareness to the importance of keeping our waterways accessible for all users.
REGISTRATION IS LIVE
*Online registration will be open until August 22 at 6 P.M.
** Day-of registration available from 5:30 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.
RACE COURSE
Start: Perrotti Park, Newport RI 02840
End: King Park, Newport RI 02840
COMPETITION CATEGORIES
Awards are giving to the 1st and 2nd and 3rd place finishes in each category:
- 1.2 miles + Women’s + Wet suit
- 1.2 miles + Women’s + No Wet suit
- 1.2 miles + Men’s + Wet suit
- 1.2 miles + Men’s + No Wet suit
THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 SPONSORS
OUR 2020 EVENT SPONSORS
Become a Swim to Skim event sponsor today! Click the button below for more information.
2020 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers make up an integral part of our organization and we need as many helpers as possible for our annual Swim to Skim event! If you would like to help with race day operations on land or on the water (in a kayak or on a stand up paddle board), please visit our our volunteer page here.
EVENT DETAILS
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2020 winter party at The Parlor Bar & Kitchen to raise a glass for ocean health. The event was huge success thanks to Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling providing great local beverages, music by Nate Farrar, Music by Mel, The Ghost Riders, Half Street, The High Tidals, and the Fitzpatrick Team's sponsorship allowing for a fun photo booth! Check out the photos here.
Date: Friday, January 24, 2020
When: 7pm - 1am
Where: The Parlor Bar & Kitchen, 200 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
Stay tuned for information for our 2021 Winter Party!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 EVENT SPONSORS
World Oceans Day 2021: Life & Livelihood
World Oceans Day is on June 8, 2021. This holiday is an international celebration spearheaded by the UN to bring awareness to the importance of our oceans and the threats they face. This year’s theme is Life and Livelihood. We know we must come together to protect the marine resources we all rely on. As caretakers of our local coastlines, COA invites you to celebrate with us. Read on to see all the ways we are gathering, raising awareness, and making change on this important day.Summer Grand Prize Raffle
Our Grand Prize Summer Raffle is now closed. Thanks to everyone who entered.
Art Contest: Life & Livelihood in the Ocean State
Help us bring World Oceans Day to life! Calling all Rhode Island artists to submit their depiction of Life & Livelihood in the Ocean State. We know our local artist community loves and draws creativity from the ocean. We want to see what living by the coast means to you. Thinking about your own experience and COA’s message of a clean, healthy ocean that is accessible to all, create a piece that shares the spirit of Life & Livelihood in the Ocean State and share it with us via the link below. The winning artist will also be awarded a prize of $500, thanks to the generosity of sponsor Stupell Home Décor.
Celebration Kickoff with Newport Mayor Napolitano & Marina Trash Skimmer Dock Talks
Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano of Newport is COA’s honorary Chair of RI World Oceans Day! She helped us kick off the celebration on Saturday, June 5 at 2pm in Perrotti Park in Newport. Meet Mayor Napolitano, then stay and tour our Newport Marina Trash Skimmer.
Ride the WAVE for COA
Eight Days of Giveaways
Thank you to everyone who participated in our giveaways, and congratulations to our winners! Giveaways were sponsored by: Clean Earth Project, WAVE Cycle, little bird wellbeing, Stoneacre Brasserie, Rhode Island Reef, Mackerel Studios, FatFace Newport.Weekend of Community Giving
EVENT DETAILS
Join us at the Easton's Beach Rotunda this September for our 4th Annual World Oceans Day event! Participate in a beach cleanup before the event and then head over to the Rotunda to enjoy live music, delicious food, raffles, and a volunteer award ceremony! Date: Thursday, September 10, 2020 When: 5-6 pm Easton's Beach Cleanup 6-9 pm Celebrate at the Easton's Beach Rotunda Where: 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840 Additional Details:- Public parking will be available at Easton's Beach
- Your ticket price includes delicious food, cocktails, and entertainment!
EVENT PURPOSE
What is World Oceans Day?
World Oceans Day is on June 8, 2020 and it is a day to celebrate our oceans and educate and mobilize communities around the world. The ocean provides us with oxygen, food, and fun! It is our responsibility to protect it.Join us and help to #BeatPlasticPollution on Aquidneck Island and beyond. Your attendance will help us to achieve our goals of:
- Advancing Clean Ocean Access initiatives into the future
- Promoting local environmental stewardship
- Encouraging local initiatives that support a larger global movement
- Engaging the community in marine debris removal and prevention
Clean Ocean Access MISSION2.OCEAN Award
Each year at this event we award and outstanding Clean Ocean Access volunteer with our MISSION2.OCEAN Award. This award is in memory of Michael Anthony Brown, a long time COA supporter and founder of Packaging 2.0. The physical award was created on a plastic brick made by the solar kiln created by 5 Gyres founder Marcus Eriksen. Michael sailed on the 5 Gyres cruises with his family and friends several times and these experiences led to the creation of the solar kiln to re-purpose plastic marine debris that ends up on remote islands that lack waste management infrastructure. The idea was to turn the plastic into bricks via the power of the sun, and use the bricks to builds homes. Last year we awarded the MISSION2.OCEAN AWARD to Marty Casey, a symbol of Michael’s vision, and we are excited to award it to another amazing volunteer!THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 EVENT SPONSORS
OUR 2020 EVENT SPONSORS
Become a World Oceans Day sponsor today! Click the button below for more information.2020 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers make up an integral part of our organization and we need as many helpers as possible for our annual World Oceans Day event! If you would like to help with this event, please visit our volunteer page here.