Influx of needles found on beaches after storm

What should be a carefree day on Main Beach in Santa Cruz, comes with caution. Rising needles seen on area beaches have people worried.

“Being down on the beach and playing a sport, where you don’t have foot protection, you run the risk of stepping on almost anything. If there’s a possibility of stepping on a needle, that’s a big deal,” said beach volleyball player, Jet Quenemon.

The Santa Cruz-based group, Save Our Shores, noticed the increasing hypodermic needles and syringes after this week’s storm. People on the beach have noticed, too.

“We have seen the needles on the beaches. It’s just sad and scary.” said visitor, Melanie Jacquez.

Save Our Shores said it is the beaches near river mouths that are seeing this problem. This includes Main Beach near the San Lorenzo River. Beach-goers said they are playing it safe. “I”m wearing these beach shoes, so that if I step on something, I’m protected. I’m thinking about driftwood and things like that, but needles have crossed my mind and it’s definitely a worry,” said Santa Cruz resident, Mark Shargel.

Stepping on a needle comes with consequences. The Center for Disease Control said HIV can survive in a used needle for up to 42 days.

“It’s just kind of a sad reflection on the drug problem that’s going on in Santa Cruz. There’s enough needles in the river that they just wash back out into the ocean,” said Santa Cruz resident, Yui Takeshita.

Steps are being taken to try to clean up the problem. Used needles can be dropped off at any pharmacy in Santa Cruz County. This is a part of their “sharps program” that will go statewide in 2021. Unfortunately, some still end up on the beach.

“Being on the beach, and knowing that that’s a possibility, that’s always lingering in the back of my mind. I can’t really be at ease,” said Quenemon.

If you come across a used needle, you can call Save Our Shores at 831-462-5660.