{"id":6470,"date":"2018-02-16T08:16:57","date_gmt":"2018-02-16T08:16:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bellarinetimes\/?p=6470"},"modified":"2018-02-16T08:16:57","modified_gmt":"2018-02-16T08:16:57","slug":"thousands-enjoy-summer-sea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/bellarinetimes\/news\/thousands-enjoy-summer-sea\/","title":{"rendered":"Thousands enjoy a summer by the sea"},"content":{"rendered":"

MORE than 2,300 people have dived, scrambled, rambled, surfed and paddled along the local coastline this year as part of Summer by the Sea.<\/p>\n

Now in its 22nd year, the iconic environmental education program offered more than 85 free activities from January 2-28.<\/p>\n

Acting Coastcare Victoria coordinator Bec Cross said the Summer by the Sea program continued to play an important role in developing Victorians\u2019 appreciation for the state\u2019s fragile coastal environments.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re thrilled that so many people participated in events this year, it really demonstrates the high level of interest in our amazing local coastal areas.\u201d<\/p>\n

She said the top three crowd favourites for the Barwon South West region were Rockpool Rambles teaching children about the diverse creatures in the intertidal zone from Port Fairy to Point Lonsdale, watching little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters return home in the evenings and hearing about their adventures, and meeting a Mermaid who explained why it was so important to keep plastics out of the ocean.<\/p>\n

\u201cA special thankyou to all who hosted, supported and took part in the events, especially all the volunteers that helped make this year\u2019s program such a success.<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir knowledge about Victoria\u2019s unique coastal and marine environments and their passion to educate others helps environmental protection stay top-of-mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure that many participants will take away information and knowledge from the program that will help them care for our coasts for years to come.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooking after our coastal areas is an ongoing job, and I would encourage anyone interested in volunteering to contact Coastcare Victoria to find out more about the volunteer groups and opportunities in their local area.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re all looking forward to returning for another great year in 2019 and providing more exciting opportunities for Victorians who love the coast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Summer by the Sea is delivered by Coastcare Victoria and supported by Parks Victoria, Fishcare and various land managers, volunteers and community groups.<\/p>\n