Hands Across the Sand

A Message from the Founder

Welcome! Thank you for joining hands with us to create the largest anti-offshore drilling gathering in history.

We are joining hands to say NO to offshore oil drilling and Yes to Clean Energy and Renewables.

The message is simple. The images are powerful.  We are drawing a line in the sand against offshore oil drilling along America’s beaches and in solidarity events across America and the World.

In Florida on February 13, 2010 over 10,000 people joined hands on nearly 100 beaches along the entire coastline. We gathered to stop the expansion of oil drilling in our coastal waters. Now, just a few months later our entire Gulf of Mexico marine environment and coastal economy is at risk from the very thing we tried to stop, offshore oil drilling off our coast.

The Deepwater Horizon disaster is a wake up call.  Even as the Gulf disaster grows, British Petroleum and other oil companies continue to push for new offshore drilling anywhere oil might be found regardless of the risks they pose.  The offshore oil industry is a dirty, dangerous business and no one industry should be able to place entire coastal economies and marine environments at risk.   Where else in America is this allowed to happen?

America could be, should be the world leader in expanding cleaner energy sources yet our political process is paralyzed by oil money.   It is time for our leaders to take bold, courageous steps and open the door to clean energy and renewables and free our country from its addiction to oil.

Together we have an opportunity to change America and the world on June 26.  This could be a critical turning point in finally changing our Country’s prehistoric energy policy towards the light of clean energy. Let us work together and share our passion and energies to protect our marine and coastal environments and our coastal economies.  On behalf of all of those who joined hands on February 13th in Florida we extend our deepest appreciation to all of you for Joining Hands across America on June 26.

Very Sincerely,

Dave Rauschkolb

Founder, Hands Across The Sand

(Photo Credits for the headshot go to Scott Holstein/Rowland Publishing. The Surf Shot, Scott Witcoski/Waterman Visions)

What to do at a
Hands Event

Tips of the Day

1. Use only approved beach accesses and parking.
2. Create as long a line or as many lines as you wish.
3. Be courteous and respectful to those who disagree with your view.
4. Please steer clear of bird nesting areas (refer to Audubon’s recommendations).
5. …enjoy yourself, it’s the beach!