We will clean one million miles
BSAC IS PARTNERING WITH SURFERS Against Sewage ( SAS ) on its Million Mile Clean and is calling for members to get involved .
Created in response to the pandemic , the SAS-led initiative aims to encourage 100,000 volunteers to take to the outdoors and explore , as they clean up 10 miles each over the year . And with BSAC on board , this initiative is now all set to also include underwater .
The total clean up target is one million miles and the project aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste and debris that continue to blight our land and water environments . From plastic straws to ghost nets , plastic waste is entering our oceans at an alarming rate of about 11 million metric tons a year .
According to recent research , over half of those surveyed ( 54 %) think Covid-19 has led to an increase in plastic pollution while almost two-thirds ( 59 %) have seen more waste in their area over the last 12 months .
With the importance of reconnecting with the outdoors , the Million Mile Clean will also provide an opportunity for people to prioritise their health while also creating a positive impact on the environment .
BSAC CEO Mary Tetley said she was excited about the new collaboration with SAS on the Million Mile Clean campaign .
“ Just like our diving community , the Surfers Against Sewage community loves our oceans and would like to see them better protected . This is a fantastic project , and we encourage as many members as possible to get involved .”
SAS ’ s CEO Hugo Tagholm said he was delighted to be partnering with BSAC on
the campaign . “ The diving community will complete our coverage from summit to sea and help to tackle plastic pollution from below the surface . We can ’ t wait to see what they find .”
How to get involved
Underwater , beach , street , river or mountain , you can take part anywhere , anytime . All of your cleaning action counts towards the million-mile goal .
For anyone unable return to the water for now , or for non-diving members , the clean-up action doesn ’ t have to take place underwater , you could organise a land-based clean or join a clean-up event near you .
To get involved in the Million Mile Clean and organise or take part in underwater and / or beach cleans in 2021 go to
bsac . com / mmc
New guidance on pool use
BSAC HAS RELEASED ITS LATEST GUIDANCE ON THE RE-OPENING OF POOLS to support clubs as they plan their return to pool nights and training .
With the re-opening of pools scheduled for different dates , depending on whether a club is in Scotland , Wales , England or N . Ireland , the latest guidance looks at how to gradually return to the club pool , subject to lockdown restrictions on opening dates and numbers of people who can gather .
The latest guidance reinforces the preparation to return to the pool advice , released by BSAC last year , and reminds clubs and members of the importance of planning . BSAC has also made available a letter which clubs can use to advise their local authority of the Covid-secure measures they will take .
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