Life on the water is an integral part of the Charleston experience.

On Saturday the Charleston Kayak Company is partnering with the Middleton Place Foundation for the 2012 Annual River Sweep on the Ashley River to provide kayaks for residents helping with the cleanup.

The annual Beach/ River Sweep takes place on Saturday. Charleston Kayak Company, which runs daily kayak tours of the Ashley River embarking at Middleton Place, is helping to get volunteer clean-up crews on the water this year by providing kayaks on Saturday. Orientation for the event begins at 8:45 a.m. Saturday. Organizers ask those participating to arrive by 8:30 a.m.

Kayaks will be given out on a first come, first served basis, but anyone interested in getting out on the river for the clean-up can reserve a boat by calling Luke Pope at 300-8706, or via email at charlestonkayak@gmail.com.

For the past 25 years Middleton Place has worked with volunteers and organizations to keep the riverscape along the 62-acre National Historic Landmark site's footprint in pristine condition, so that it resembles what the area was like when the plantation was founded in 1741.