The Coast News Group
For the first time, and under strict guideline, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife allowed kayaks in the San Dieguito Lagoon to help with the Sept. 21 International Coastal Cleanup Day. Courtesy photo
For the first time, and under strict guideline, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife allowed kayaks in the San Dieguito Lagoon to help with the Sept. 21 International Coastal Cleanup Day. Courtesy photo
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Boaters in the lagoon?

COAST CITIES — Anyone who saw kayaks in the San Dieguito Lagoon on Sept. 21 need not worry that the waterway is now open for recreational water sports. 

The boaters were allowed to access the lagoon for the 2013 International Coastal Cleanup Day.

“We got permission from the California Fish and Wildlife for the first time ever to use kayaks to access the lagoon under strict protocols,” said Kelly Sarber, part of San Diego Gas & Electric’s Strategic Management Group.

“SDG&E hosted more than 300 volunteers at the San Dieguito Wetlands for our annual Coastal Cleanup Day in partnership with I Love a Clean San Diego,” she said. “We were amazed how many people came.”

The wetlands area was one of a record-breaking 102 cleanup sites in the county this year.

“We pulled out over 600 pounds of trash from the various locations, including Dog Beach, the estuary under the bridge and all over the wetlands on both sides of I-5,” Sarber said.

Countywide, approximately 7,000 volunteers helped remove more than 150,000 pounds of litter and debris. The most unusual items found included a foot massager, a working iPad and iPod and a puppy, according to the local event website.