Tens of thousands of drivers on Ocean Street got a look at the fun side of Save Our Shores, the organization devoted to keeping Santa Cruz beaches pure.

There were eight marine animals and a bag monster to remind people of what can happen to critters from bags and garbage left behind. The animals included (in case the costumes weren't obvious) a jellyfish, sea anemones, a turtle and a great white shark, some of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary's finest denizons.

“SOS wanted to spread a friendly reminder to beach visitors that Santa Cruz residents like our beaches clean,” said Emily Glanville, program manager at Save Our Shores, in a press release.

“We kept things positive and suggested that beach goers pack out their trash before heading home. We thought Ocean Street would be a great place to start as there's quite a captive audience due to all the beach traffic. We were eager to get our pollution prevention message out before everyone split off to different beach locations."

On July 4 Save Our Shores volunteers will hit six Santa Cruz beaches and one Monterey beach to further spread the Pollution Prevention message while handing out trash and recycling bags.

Then, on July 5, hundreds of volunteers in each community will gather from 8-10am for the ‘morning after’ Star Spangled Beach Cleanup at seven Santa Cruz Beaches and three Monterey County beaches to clean up thousands of pounds of pollution from our beaches.

To join up, click here.