Known previously as PADI AWARE - Dive Against Debris® - Kingston, this event is in partnership with Neptune & Salacia Diving and Swim Drink Fish.
Now in its 4th year, this family-friendly event is an opportunity for
the public to take action in the protection of our Great Lakes
freshwater resource, to celebrate our waterways, and to engage with
community organisations working to protect and advocate for the health
and well-being of our local ecosystem. Demonstrations and performances
are just of the engaging activities planned for this year’s event - stay
tuned for more updates!
At its core remains the community action shoreline cleanup known as PADI AWARE - Dive Against Debris®*
that sees Kingston participate in an international initiative
supporting water conservation efforts and take part in World Ocean Day
(June 8th) initiatives. But, just because ‘dive’ is in the name, doesn’t
mean this event is restricted to volunteer divers.
In order to be successful, we need twice as many surface support
volunteers on land than divers in the water. Therefore, the support of
non-diver volunteers is critical. Shore support volunteers pick up the
debris bags from divers and help sort, weigh and record debris
collected. The data collected is then shared to help educate and
advocate for cleaner waters. In 2022, we removed over 1,700lbs of debris
from the water off of Gord Downie Memorial Pier!