How to Plan a Beach & Underwater Cleanup

As divers, we have a unique opportunity to witness the impact of pollution on the blue planet we love to explore, but making a noticeable impact can feel overwhelming at times. While monetary donations to ocean-conservation organizations make an incredible impact in saving the ocean, it can be hard to comprehend the results of your support. If you’re looking for an action-based alternative to fight marine debris, we recommend organizing a beach cleanup in your community.

Not only do beach cleanups reduce the amount of trash in an area in real-time, but they are also incredible tools for raising awareness about pollution in your community. These events provide divers and non-divers alike an opportunity to witness firsthand the types of debris that are plaguing local ecosystems – both above and beneath the surface.  And with experience comes action. For example, if you recover 300 single-use plastic water bottles in a single day, eventgoers are likely to find a more sustainable alternative in their own lives. No matter how small the action, every step counts.

Here’s how to get started and make an impact.

Identify a Cleanup Site

You may already have an area in mind to host your cleanup, but if not, we recommend locating an area that’s easily (and safely) accessible for divers and non-divers from shore. Some areas require permission to organize an event, so be sure to do your research and obtain any necessary permissions. Underwater cleanups require a call to NOAA, while beach cleanup permits typically come from the local government. Make sure to visit the site in advance to plan for event setup, cleanup, and accessibility.

Partner with Your Local Dive Shop

This step isn’t necessary, but it’s worthwhile to contact your local dive shop to help recruit participants and help provide supplies for volunteers. While not every dive shop will be able to supply full gear for participating divers, they may be able to help provide underwater collection bags, gloves, and tanks to support the cause. Partnering with a dive shop also allows you to quickly connect with the local dive community, and ensure that your cleaning efforts aren’t just surface-level.

Recruit Volunteers:

Ask your friends and family to participate in the event, and to spread the word with their local connections. Creating a Facebook Event is a great way to easily share all event details, and be sure to ask your partner dive shop and businesses to promote the event on their social channels as well. For additional promotion, you can create flyers (on compostable paper) and email templates for participating businesses to share with their customers. You can also alert local media about the event for increased promotion and potential onsite coverage.

Sort Out the Details:

To ensure the event goes smoothly, and that trash is responsibly disposed of, you’ll need to have a plan. Low tide is often the best time to collect trash, so plan your event start around it if you can. Decide how you will separate recyclables, how to handle hazardous waste, and where each type of trash collected will go after the event’s end. We recommend scheduling a removal at least 3 weeks prior to the event so that you aren’t stuck hauling hundreds of pounds of trash away on your own, or leaving behind the trash you worked so hard to pick up!

Important Details to Consider:

• Volunteer parking – If there isn’t ample parking at the cleanup site, consider options for carpooling and public transportation to ensure maximum attendance.
• Refreshments – Whether you are supplying snacks and water yourself or getting assistance from a local business, try to ensure that refreshments are low-waste and sustainable.
• Event schedule – Try to plan the event around low tide, if possible, and don’t forget to plan breaks around divers’ surface intervals!
• Hazardous waste - Wide-mouth, resealable containers are excellent receptacles for hazardous waste, and you’ll want to label them accordingly prior to the event start.
• Sign-in sheets – Be sure to have a sign-in sheet for participants, and pens too!
• Volunteer instructions (pre-event) – If there are special dress-code requirements or supplies volunteers should bring, be sure to let them know beforehand. If divers need to supply their own scuba diving gear and/or tanks, be sure to let them know!
• Volunteer instructions (day of) – Once everyone has arrived, review the event schedule and any safety procedures with your team of volunteers. They will need to know how to safely dispose of sharp objects, hazardous waste, recyclables, and miscellaneous trash appropriately.
• Diver Instructions – Be sure to debrief volunteer divers before they get in the water so they are aware of the dive plan, conditions, and any other considerations. If possible, have a qualified diver lead the team underwater for improved safety.

Gather Supplies:

Your full list of cleanup supplies will vary based on your location, but make sure you have the essentials for a successful cleanup:

• Trash Bags
• Underwater collection bags (fun fact: SCUBAPRO’s fin bags were designed to be used for collecting marine debris, but any mesh bag will get the job done.)
• Cutting sheers or scissors for removing fishing line
• First-aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Watercoolers (and coolers for any snacks that require refrigeration)
• Snacks and other refreshments
• Sunscreen
• Dive gloves for underwater trash removal
• Reusable work gloves for topside volunteers

Record and Share the Results:

After the event, be sure to weigh the trash collected (in their collection bags) to share the impact with participants and your community. Fill out and submit this online collection form to join Johnson Outdoors and the National Wildlife Federation’s Clean Earth Challenge, and share your results with our global team of citizen scientists. (Bonus, event participants can share photos of the event with fellow participants!)

More Tips for a Successful Event:

• Arrive early to set up signs, sign-in stations, and receptacles for the debris. (Don’t forget to bring separate containers for recyclables & hazardous waste!)
• To hone your skills and safely remove marine debris on every dive, we recommend taking PADI’s Aware Certified Diver Course to improve buoyancy and effectively remove trash on every dive.
• If possible, plan your event at the end of spring break, summer, or a busy season to remove any waste left behind.
• Reinforce the importance of streamlined equipment and neutral buoyancy for divers. Removing marine debris without causing accidental damage to the marine environment is key!
• Provide a guide of what debris should remain underwater for divers to reference pre-dive.
• Find ways to make it fun! Whether you offer prizes for collecting the most trash or simply play music for topside volunteers, try to find ways to reward volunteers with a good time.