Heal the Bay coordinates the activities and provides training at each group's first cleanup. There, participants learn about sources of pollution to Los Angeles County coastal waters, and what they as individuals can do to stop ocean pollution. Heal the Bay also provides the appropriate supplies for volunteers to carry out the beach cleanup.
Volunteers also collect important data during their event.
Thousands of civic organizations and schools have taken advantage of this opportunity to be a part of the solution to ocean pollution. In addition, the Malibu Foundation in Los Angeles County has a school assembly program that teaches students about the need for cleaner beaches and recycling. Students raise money by recycling cans and bottles to help pay for a bus to get them to a beach where they participate in a beach cleanup. The assembly program alone has reached over 10,000 students. Each lesson includes recommended grade levels, background information for instructors and hands-on activities.