12th Annual Cleanup Under London Bridge: Join the Movement!

The Lake Havasu Divers Association, in collaboration with Scuba Training & Technology, Inc. and the Lake Havasu Sea Scouts, conducted their 12th annual “Under the London Bridge” cleanup event in the Bridgewater Channel on Saturday morning. A dedicated team of 26 divers and 13 land volunteers worked diligently, collectively investing over 23 hours underwater to clean from the iconic London Bridge to the mouth of Thompson Bay.

This event required special permits from the U.S. Coast Guard and Lake Havasu City due to the restrictions on diving in the channel throughout the year. Their efforts were crucial for maintaining the area’s cleanliness and safety.

Support came from various organizations, including the Donut Post, the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office-Division of Boating Safety, Lake Havasu Parks Department, and AMR. The Sheriff’s patrol boats provided perimeter safety for the divers, while the new sonar technology was utilized to enhance their inspection of the channel’s bottom. Refreshments were generously supplied by the Donut Post, fostering community engagement.

This event marked the 29th organized underwater cleanup in Lake Havasu, with the first taking place during BLM-National Lands Day in 2006. The diving community has consistently championed environmental preservation efforts in the area.

This year’s findings were diverse, including a drone, multiple vaping pens, a chair, a battery pack, an orange road cone, 17 pairs of sunglasses, 8 hats, a water canon, a pile of beads, 293 bottles and cans, as well as a wiffle ball.

According to local regulations, swimming in the Bridgewater Channel is prohibited to ensure the safe and unobstructed use of the area by watercraft. This law highlights the importance of maintaining safety in popular recreational spaces.