Save the River has started it Beach Watch program again this summer! With the help of our amazing volunteers we test for E.coli at several popular swimming spots in the Thousand Islands. Currently Save The River is looking for volunteers at Scenic View Park in Alexandria Bay, and Waddington Beach in Waddington. You can insure a safe and fun summer for all beachgoers!

As a Beach Watch volunteer you will:

• Take a water sample and return it to our office that day
• Receive water quality reports from Save The River
• Learn about what water quality is and what affects water quality
• Be outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) When do I need to be available?

Sampling dates are set for an every Monday from July 2nd through August 27th. Water samples will need to be taken at 9am in the same location each week and be returned to Save the River no later than 10 am that same day.

2) What will I be doing?

Volunteers will be taking water samples at their sampling location(s), observing the river environment at that location, and reporting the information to us.

3) What if I’m unable to make a sampling date?

Save The River asks that each volunteer be available on the sampling dates but if problems arise we arrange for the sample to be taken by someone else.

4) How do I sign up?

Volunteers may sign up for the 2012 Beach Water Program by contacting Sara Orvis at (315)-686-2010.

5) Why is the Beach Watch Program important?

Save the River monitors the water quality popular swimming location along the river that would otherwise go unmonitored. The Beach Watch Program helps to ensure that the water we all enjoy is safe to swim in.

6) Why is water quality important?

Water quality is important because poor water quality can lead to a variety of harmful effects which include damage to native plants and wildlife and gastrointestinal problems in humans. Save the River is committed to tracking down the cause(s) of poor water quality on the river.