SAFETY CHECKLIST 

We are grateful for your support, but your safety comes first. Please read safety guidelines before participating in MTC events. 

• Know your limitations.  Participate in self-directed activities that you feel comfortable with and can do safely based on your age, physical fitness, and health. 

• Take appropriate safety measures when lake diving for trash, including but not limited to life jackets. Use kayaks, paddle boards, or some sort of watercraft or flag to mark divers. Children require adult supervision!  Parental discretion is advised.

• Younger children or inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water.

• Never dive into unknown waters head first. Diving into shallow water can cause life-threatening injuries. Use feet-first entry into the water.

• Swim with a buddy, never alone.

• Weak swimmers or young children should participate in self-directed projects that are not water-related.

• Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving, or boating. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination.

• Pick appropriate clean-up routes. Avoid areas where boats and cars would present a danger. 

• Do not leave children unsupervised, especially near busy roads and water.

• Wear gloves, sunscreen, bug repellent, and appropriate clothing/safety gear. Wear bright-colored clothing for roadside clean-up. 

• Read more about tips on how to pick up litter safely.

• Be careful when picking up litter, as items can be sharp. Use pick-up tools (see photo below) to create separation between you and the litter.

• Store litter properly and safely. Recycle litter when possible.

• If items are too hazardous to be picked up or you do not have the proper safety gear to handle them, leave the item where you found it. Your safety is of utmost importance.

• Always clean up in suitable conditions: good weather and daylight. Check out the weather before you venture outdoors.

• Litter is often dirty. Sanitize your hands after picking up trash, and do not touch your face or eyes before cleansing your hands. 

• Avoid all private property unless you have permission from the owner.

• Bring a cell phone. Stay in touch and take lots of photos!!! (Don't forget to submit project descriptions and photos to maintainthechain@gmail.com.)

• Work with other volunteers if they need help or just for fun. We all have the same goal in mind.

• Have a great time, and stay safe!

Your participation in the MTC event is at your own risk. Your decision to participate as a volunteer is made of your own free will. By registering for the event, you assume full responsibility for any risk of body injury, death, or property damage arising from or related to the event. MTC/FCLA does not assume any responsibility or obligation to provide financial or other assistance, including, but not limited to, medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury, illness, death, or property damage.