Southampton - The Surfrider Foundation's Eastern Long Island Chapter organized East End residents to participate in a national event called "Hands Across the Sand" this past weekend. The event took place at Ditch Plains to show opposition with offshore oil drilling and the threat it poses to Long Island's coastal economy and marine environment.

"Hands Across the Sand" was an international effort that took at beaches on Long Island and throughout the country. The event was a public gathering on the beaches to draw metaphorical and actual lines in the sand against oil drilling.

Attendees sign in to be a part of the event.

The Surfrider Foundation then sponsored a beach clean up immediately following the demonstration taking place at Ditch Plains as a part of their continuing commitment to the health of our local beaches.

"I believe this event was a perfect opportunity for all those who share a love for the East End to have a voice against offshore oil drilling and its potential impacts on our coastline. With the recent events occurring in the Gulf of Mexico, it gave our community a chance to act locally while thinking globally" said Surfrider co-chair P.Claire Pertalion.

In addition to the Surfrider Foundation, other local environmentally based groups such as the Peconic Baykeeper, as well as the Group for the East End, also promoted the Ditch Plains event.

In response to the recent oil spill Bob Deluca, President of the Group for the East End added, " Its easy to blame BP, but if any good is to come of this tragedy is must start with a renewed sense of purpose to end our addiction to oil," furthermore Deluca stated, "Hands Across the Sand is a good place to take that first step." The collaboration demonstrated the importance and local commitment of protecting our beaches and waterways.

"Conservation, efficiency and renewables are the answer," said John Weber, Northeast regional Manager for the Surfrider Foundation.

For more information go to www.surfriderli.org; www.handsacrossthesand.org; www.nottheanswer.org.