I always found it amusing as a child that one enormous expanse of water could go by so many names. As a child I had no trouble with the legitimacy of the boundary lines and countries of Europe, but for some reason the ocean just tickled me. Perhaps because I could imagine a wall on land, I had seen Hadrian’s wall and would witness the fall of the Berlin wall, but in the ocean my imagination would run wild with fish-like border guards, and seahorse patrols. The ocean intrigued me then and intrigues me now. I love to swim in it, I dream of diving deeper into it, I long to swim with sharks.
So on Wednesday June 8, World Oceans Day, we’ll be taking an after work excursion to the beach, to check out a few tide pools – in lieu of attending one of the varied events going on across the country.
Nationwide, you can visit your local Pottery Barn kids. This year they are partnering with National Geographic to provide hands-on activities, giveaways and information for kids of all ages.
On Tuesday June 7, a “splash” mob will descend on the Smithsonian’s Sant Ocean Hall in Washington DC. Wear blue to join in.
If you live in Hawaii, the Pacific Whale Foundation is offering free one-hour Ocean Discovery Cruises to residents. Departing from Ma’alaea and Lahaina Harbors at 1:00, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:00 pm, non-residents can tag along for $10.
You can also help conservation efforts across the nation, such as in Santa Monica, California, where you can help clean up the beach with local students.
You don’t need an organized event to celebrate, but remember if you organize your own it’s not too late to register it at the World Oceans Day website.