The Coronado Sharks and Mermaids group was busy as the end of summer approached, cleaning up Silver Strand State Beach August 4th and then Stan Searfus Memorial Beach August 19th. Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey joined the group for the August 19th clean up that followed a short educational briefing from a Coronado Lifeguard. After learning about stingrays and rip tides, the group set off to clean the beach that has seen a large influx of tourists all summer.
Coronado Sharks and Mermaids was started by Roberta Gehlke Lenert and her two children, Kailani (a 7th grader at CMS) and Cameron (a 5th grader at Village), who moved to Coronado last year and want to share their passion for the environment and keeping our oceans clean. “We feel it is so important to educate the children about why we need to work together to clean up our planet and oceans,” said Roberta. “We try to educate them on the marine life and how they can help our friends under the sea. We have tons of new events hitting the calendar in the next couple months, so check us out and help us make a difference!”
The group began meeting April 15th and have had monthly meet-ups where they learn about their environment, do something positive for the environment like a beach clean-up, and then have some fun, like the post clean-up bonfire and s’mores they enjoyed on August 4th.
Those interested in joining the Coronado Sharks and Mermaids can find them on Facebook and join the group for information on upcoming meetings. The next beach clean-up is scheduled for September 15th to support Coastal Cleanup Day, and the very next week on September 22nd, following Coronado’s 92118 Day celebration. Sharks and Mermaids is also combining forces with the Surfrider foundation and Southbay Clean Water as they continue grow.
