Beach Clean-Up Success at Oceans 5 Gili Air: Divemaster Interns Lead the Way

The beach in front of Oceans 5 Gili Air looked cleaner and more vibrant after the latest beach clean-up, where divemaster interns and dedicated volunteers collected 38.5 kilograms of rubbish. This incredible effort is a testament to the commitment of the team at Oceans 5, as well as the volunteers who came together to protect Gili Air’s beautiful shores from the growing threat of plastic pollution.

The challenge, however, is far from over.

As the rainy season begins on the nearby island of Lombok, a new wave of debris is slowly making its way to Gili Air’s beaches. With the rains come floods, and with the floods, rubbish from rivers in Lombok starts to flow into the ocean, eventually finding its way to the shores of the Gili Islands. This phenomenon is expected to worsen in the coming months, making beach clean-ups even more crucial.

The Reality of Ocean Pollution During the Rainy Season
While the Gili Islands are known for their pristine beaches and clear waters, the onset of the rainy season brings a reminder of the larger environmental issues that face many coastal communities. As rains wash debris from the mainland into the sea, it begins a journey that ends on the beaches of smaller islands like Gili Air. Plastic bottles, bags, food wrappers, and other waste, which have been left on the streets or near waterways in Lombok, are carried by the rivers into the ocean, slowly drifting towards the Gili Islands.

In the month of October alone, the amount of rubbish washing up on Gili Air has started to rise, and this is just the beginning. As we move deeper into the rainy season, the influx of trash is expected to increase dramatically. The divemaster interns at Oceans 5 Gili Air have been working tirelessly to combat this problem, organizing regular beach clean-ups to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.

Divemaster Interns: Environmental Stewards in Action
The divemaster interns at Oceans 5 Gili Air are not just training to become professional divers—they are becoming environmental stewards, taking an active role in marine conservation. This latest beach clean-up is just one of many initiatives they are involved in as part of Oceans 5’s eco-diving philosophy.

Armed with gloves, reusable bags, and a strong sense of responsibility, the interns led a team of volunteers in cleaning the beachfront in front of the dive center. With the sun beginning to set, and a slight breeze coming off the water, they collected everything from plastic wrappers and cigarette butts to larger debris like fishing gear and bottles. Despite the volume of rubbish they cleared, it was only a small fraction of the waste that will continue to wash up as the rains intensify.

At Oceans 5, the divemaster program isn’t just about developing skills in the water—it’s about understanding the role divers play in protecting the marine environment. Whether through underwater clean-ups, reef monitoring, or land-based efforts like this beach clean-up, the divemaster interns learn the importance of conservation at every step of their training.

A Community Effort
While the divemaster interns at Oceans 5 Gili Air are at the forefront of these clean-ups, they couldn’t do it without the support of the local community and visitors. The team would like to extend their deepest thanks to everyone who participated in this recent clean-up. It is a heartwarming reminder that when people come together with a shared goal, they can make a real difference, even if it’s just for a small patch of beach on a small island.

Everyone who has participated in the clean-ups can feel proud of their contribution to keeping Gili Air clean and protecting the local ecosystem. However, there is still a long way to go, and Oceans 5 is calling on all residents and visitors to join in the effort.

An Invitation to Future Beach Clean-Ups
The next beach clean-up will take place this Friday at 17:00, and everyone is invited to join in. Whether you’re an experienced diver, a beginner, or just someone who cares about the environment, your help is needed. Oceans 5 provides all the necessary equipment, and there is no cost to participate—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to make a positive impact.

These clean-ups not only help maintain the beauty of Gili Air’s beaches but also raise awareness about the broader issue of ocean pollution. It’s easy to feel disconnected from environmental problems when you’re on vacation, but these clean-ups remind us that we all have a role to play in protecting our oceans.

The Path Forward
As more rubbish washes up in the coming months, Oceans 5 Gili Air is committed to continuing these beach clean-ups as part of their broader conservation mission. But the solution to ocean pollution requires more than just clean-ups—it requires changes in how we consume and dispose of waste, both locally and globally.

For now, though, every bit of effort counts. By coming together to clean the beaches and keep Gili Air beautiful, we’re not only protecting the local environment but also sending a message that ocean conservation matters.

If you’re on Gili Air this Friday, join the team at Oceans 5 Gili Air at 17:00 for their next beach clean-up. It’s a small act, but it’s one that can make a big difference. Let’s keep our oceans clean, one piece of rubbish at a time.