At a time when tourists can't get in to Thailand, there are a lot of dive staff and tour operators here, sat at home, feeling despondent.  With no income and no reason to get up in the morning, it's been hard for many to get active.

We've been running weekly beach cleans at the weekends for the last couple of months, and this has become a significant social event.  We meet at a local bar, restaurant or cafe each week, before and after the clean ups, as a way to encourage social interaction, but also to support these businesses that are struggling too.  We've found that these weekly meet-ups have become a highlight for our local ex-pat population.  For many it's given them a purpose, something to look forward to, and much needed company outside of their immediate close friends and family.

This week we took it a stage further and organised a clean-up dive at a local training lake.  It's a very popular Thai weekend destination, and weekly trash collections are done around the edges, but not underwater.  For our cleanup, 6 divers and 2 snorkelers came.  Some because they had never been to the lake before, some just to get their gills wet, 1 came to do a dive refresher, but all came for an adventure and they definitely got an adventure!

After a late departure because the truck wouldn't start, a tyre blow out on the way, and rescue by passing minivan drivers, we arrived to a beautiful site, on a beautiful day and had ice-cream for 10 THB (30 cents)

Some of the divers took the opportunity to check their gear which has been unused for 6 months, and we were glad we brought lots of spares ;)  The lady completing the refresher didn't collect trash, but the other 5 (who were all instructors) grabbed their mesh bags and went hunting.  30 minutes out, 30 minutes back, for a 60 minute dive time, and we all had full bags.

Just as with our weekly beach cleans, this has been amazing for the wellbeing of everyone who took part.  Animated conversations, sharing photos, new friendships made, laughter and smiles, all from taking care of our environment.

COVID19 has been hard on everyone, but by taking care of the environment, you can also help to take care of yourself.  Stay safe everyone.  

Go2Similan team