BABYLON, N.Y. October 2, 2009 - Members of the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps on Saturday will be at Robert Moses State Park working on the installation of a snow fence that will be erected to protect the beach from erosion.
The work will take place, rain or shine, at the park’s Field 5, starting at 10 a.m. Volunteers from the public are also welcome to take part in the installation. Work will last until at least 1 p.m.
Sand is lost during winter due to wind and storms, last year, Field 5 sustained such an extraordinary loss of beach that it was very nearly shut down this past summer. Recent storms, meanwhile, have stripped away the remainder of the springtime sand, and the dunes are once again under attack.
Due to the state’s ongoing fiscal problems, the Lifeguard Corps has volunteered to erect the fence and plant beach grass to slow the beach erosion. The JBLC - which is affiliated with New York State United Teachers and its affiliate, United University Professions - will also perform beach cleanup while on site Saturday.
Because work will involve unfinished wood, wire and metal materials, it is recommended that those planning to participate in the installation protect themselves from scraping by wearing full-length pants, long-sleeved shirts, eye protection, work gloves and boots.
NYSUT, the state’s largest union, represents more than 600,000 teachers, school-related professionals, academic and professional faculty in higher education, professionals in education and health care and retirees. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers; National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.