Though summer does not officially start until June 21, Memorial Day has long been thought of as the “official” start to summer. The weather historically been warm enough for pool swimming and to launch those many boats for a day on Beaufort County’s beautiful waterways.

This Memorial Day weekend was downright hot, and plenty of people took advantage of the sunny skies, warm water and weather to get out on their boats.

One of Beaufort County’s greatest assets is the number of places where everyone is given access to the water, whether that’s a beach at Goose Creek State Park, a kayak launch on the Washington waterfront or boat launches scattered across the county. Each, in their own way, offer a chance to experience local waterways without having to own waterfront property. Granted, decades ago, there were places such as Whichard’s Beach, Griffin’s Beach and Hawkins Beach that gave swimmers access for a fee. Those days are long gone, but the county, various municipalities and state agencies have made sincere efforts to continue access.

The boat ramp at Runyon Creek in Washington had more than a steady stream of traffic over the Memorial Day weekend. It was pretty packed from sunup to sundown. All sorts of crafts came through there, from brand new powerboats and jon boats to kayaks and canoes.

There were plenty of sunburns to be tended to; plenty of children heading for a solid night’s sleep after a day on the water.

There was also plenty of trash left behind. There were soda and beer cans and bottles, fast food bags and boxes, left behind by the very people who were out enjoying the splendor of the beautiful waterways.

Beautiful waterways don’t stay beautiful by themselves. It takes an investment by everyone in a community; by everyone with a piece of garbage in their hands making a commitment to put it where it won’t end up on the ground. If it’s on the ground at a boat ramp, it’s in the river next. And a river filled with trash does not make for a beautiful waterway.

Everyone can play a role in keeping our river clean. Everyone should do their part.