Join Eco Dive Center, LA County Beaches & Harbors, and Heal the Bay for the 2025 Coastal Cleanup Day Underwater Dive at Santa Monica Pier – Sunday, September 21st! ?
Since 1985, Coastal Cleanup Day has grown into the world’s largest volunteer-driven environmental event, mobilizing millions across more than 50 nations to fight trash and plastic pollution. Every state with a coastline—including the Great Lakes—participates. Here in Los Angeles County, more than 15,000 volunteers gather across 40+ sites to protect our waterways, beaches, and wildlife.
This year, Eco Dive Center is once again doing our part with an underwater cleanup dive at the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
Not a diver? No problem!
Beach volunteers are needed too—your efforts on the shoreline are just as vital as the divers working below. Whether you’re walking the sand or exploring beneath the waves, your participation matters.
Event Schedule
-
8:00 AM – Check-in begins
-
9:00 AM – Pre-dive briefing & group photo, dive gates open immediately after
-
11:00 AM – All divers out of the water
-
11:10 AM – Group photo with all collected trash
Important Details for Divers
-
Bring your own scuba gear (rentals available at Eco Dive Center).
-
Be prepared for murky water and a long surface swim.
-
Rescue divers on body boards will be stationed in the surf zone, with Harbor Patrol boats and pier spotters on standby.
-
Attendance is capped at 50 divers—so sign up early!
In past years, divers have found unusual items like prom dresses, voodoo dolls, switchblades, guns, a briefcase of crackers, and even a bridal gown. While we never know what we’ll find, every piece of debris makes a difference.
Why It Matters
This event isn’t just about trash removal—it’s about data collection. By filling out trash data cards, divers and volunteers help researchers identify sources of pollution and create solutions to stop it at the source.
How to Sign Up
Call 310-398-5759 to reserve your spot or RSVP online.
When you call, please have ready:
-
Full name (as on certification card)
-
Diver level & agency
-
Emergency contact
-
Email & phone number (for eWaiver & text instructions)
Day-of Event Checklist
-
Arrive early to set up gear and attend 3 mandatory briefings (Divemaster, Heal the Bay rep, Harbor Master).
-
Follow strict entry/exit points and keep your issued ID tag attached to your BCD.
-
Have your buddy double-check your gear.
-
Listen to safety tips from Rescue Divers—they’ll guide you past the surf zone and back safely.
-
After the dive, stack your findings with the group for data collection and photos.
-
Stick around for news coverage and the big group photo—often featured in local media and Heal the Bay’s international newsletter.
Let’s Do This Together! Join the world’s largest volunteer day and help protect the ocean we all love. Call 310-398-5759 today to get on the dive roster.
How? Call 310-398-5759 to get placed on the dive roster OR click here! 