New date, same Riversweep Saturday on Lake Wylie

A new take on Riversweep is almost here. Here’s what volunteers and lake users need to know ahead of May 21’s biggest annual cleanup event on the water.

Organizers – Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, Lake Wylie Covekeepers and Lake Wylie Marine Commission – say more boats are needed.

“The main thing we’re needing is boat captains,” said Joe Stowe, marine commission executive director. “We can’t get people where we need them to go without the boats.”

When and where

Riversweep runs 8 a.m.-noon May 21. There are 14 site locations throughout the lake, from Belmont to Fort Mill. Locations are: Tailrace Marina, Belmont Riverside Marina, Charlotte Yacht Club, Gaston Wildlife Club, Harbortowne Marina, Seven Oaks Bridge, Long Cove Marina & Yacht Club, Buster Boyd Access Area, River Hills Marina, Catawba Yacht Club, Tega Cay Marina, Allison Creek Access Area, Ebenezer Park and Nivens Creek Access Area.

Volunteers are encouraged to sign up at the site closest to them. For directions and site captain information visit lakewylieriversweep.com.

What volunteers need

Wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty, including durable shoes that can get wet. Site captains will have bottled water, work gloves and trash bags.

Boat captains will need their vessels. Heavy tarps will be provided to help keep the boats as clean as possible. Other tips include wrapping seats in garbage bags or temporarily removing carpeting, when able.

Why it matters

“The idea is to give back to the community and help out a little bit,” said Neil Brennan, co-organizer with the marine commission.

With 14th annual Riversweep being held in the spring for the first time, organizers don’t have to worry about a hot summer and low water as they did last year. The 2015 drought canceled the October event. Spring also means a Riversweep after the rainy season, which could lead to more trash.

“All this water came down over the winter and washed down a lot of trash,” Stowe said. “We know we’re going to have a big pick up.”

Organizers are planning for up to 1,000 volunteers. There won’t be another Riversweep this year. A decision hasn’t been made on whether it will become a new spring fixture or return to the fall date for 2017. Both have benefits, organizers say. Success of the May 21 event will be part of the decision.

This story was originally published May 16, 2016 at 11:52 AM with the headline "New date, same Riversweep Saturday on Lake Wylie."