Divers invited to join Pompano Beach underwater pier cleanup to protect marine life

Pompano Beach, Florida – Divers and ocean advocates in Pompano Beach are preparing to head below the surface this September for a community cleanup effort aimed at removing harmful debris from local waters and protecting marine life.

DXDivers will host its annual Pompano Beach Underwater Pier Clean-up on Saturday, September 12, 2026, inviting experienced divers and newcomers alike to take part in the effort to clear trash and lost fishing equipment from beneath the pier.

Marine debris has become an increasing concern for oceans around the world. While much of the pollution can be seen along beaches and shorelines, a large amount remains hidden underwater. Local fishing piers, which serve as popular destinations for recreation and fishing, can collect discarded items over time, including fishing lines, lead weights, plastic materials, and other waste that can threaten fish, turtles, and other marine animals.

Organizers say underwater cleanups provide an opportunity to address those hidden problems while bringing the community together for a hands-on environmental effort.

The upcoming Pompano Beach cleanup follows the success of a similar event at the Deerfield Beach Pier earlier this summer. During that cleanup, 591 participants joined together and removed thousands of pounds of trash from the ocean. DXDivers hopes to bring the same level of enthusiasm and participation to Pompano Beach.

The event will begin with check-in at 7:30 a.m. at the DXDivers tent located near the south end of Lucky Fish. Participants will gather for a group photo in front of the pier at 8:15 a.m., with the underwater cleanup officially beginning at 8:20 a.m.

Read also: Commissioner Wilton Simpson announces permanent protection of more than 1,675 acres of working agricultural land in Levy and Putnam counties through Florida conservation program

After divers complete their cleanup efforts, participants are invited to stay for a raffle drawing scheduled for 11:15 a.m. near the check-in tent.

DXDivers is encouraging divers of all experience levels to participate. Whether someone has spent years exploring local waters or is joining an underwater cleanup for the first time, organizers say there are simple ways to get involved.

Participants can purchase a DXD Swag Bag for $25. The package includes an official event participant t-shirt and a raffle ticket for the morning drawing. DXDivers will also provide mesh collection bags and shears to swag bag recipients, allowing divers to safely remove and carry underwater debris such as tangled fishing line.

The equipment provided is designed to help divers collect waste while reducing the risk of injury and ensuring that debris can be removed from the ocean safely.

Organizers are also reminding participants to plan ahead when arriving at the event. Since free beach parking is limited, carpooling with other divers and volunteers is strongly encouraged.

On the morning of the cleanup, participants can drive directly to the gear drop-off area on the south side of Lucky Fish at 200 N Pompano Beach Blvd. Event staff will be available to collect heavy tanks and equipment, allowing divers to continue to the main parking area at 3460 NE 3rd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 without carrying bulky gear.

Read also: Pompano Beach City Commission takes annual August hiatus before September meetings resume

The cleanup is part of a larger effort to protect the health of coastal ecosystems and keep Pompano Beach’s waters clean for residents, visitors, and marine species. Organizers say every piece of debris removed from the ocean helps create a safer environment beneath the waves.

Community members interested in participating are encouraged to bring their dive equipment, invite friends, and join fellow ocean supporters for a morning dedicated to conservation.

With divers working together, the event aims to make a visible difference below the surface while raising awareness about the importance of keeping marine environments free from pollution.

DXDivers hopes the September cleanup will continue the tradition of bringing people together to protect local waters and inspire more residents to take an active role in preserving the ocean for future generations.