A scuba diving school in Clare has been named Business of the Year at the 2018 Clean Coasts’ Ocean Hero Awards.
Dive Academy based in Lahinch collected 200kg of debris this year with two successful beach clean events. The group filled over 20 sacks (140kg) of refuse during the Big Beach Clean, along with several large objects such a metal fence-post, a tangled mass of rope, a car battery, plastic panels and sheets).
‘Dive Against Debris’ sees them collect any underwater debris from some of their favourite dive sites in the Atlantic. The business now includes information on underwater debris collection during their dive briefings and they encourage divers to collect underwater debris and return it to their dive centre for disposal.
Owner and manager, Darek Guziuk, said “We never expected anything like this, we are just doing what we love, diving, and decided to organise some activities to help combat ocean debris. Then when we were nominated, we were delighted, but to actually win it was brilliant, I am so happy with that”
They will continue to organise beach clean events, in conjunction with local groups, and promote the need to keep our oceans debris free throughout the 2019 diving season.
