Divers conduct lake cleanup operations in Germany and Austria

Volunteer divers and local organizations are conducting cleanup operations in lakes across Germany and Austria to protect aquatic ecosystems.

In Germany, the Unterwasserparcours e. V. and the TG Sepia diving department are organizing a traditional cleaning event at Salzgittersee on October 3. The initiative, which began in 2021, aims to keep the water clean and attractive. The event involves divers from the region and is supported by the city of Salzgitter and local businesses. To enhance the underwater landscape, divers also place specific objects in the lake, such as a century-old ship anchor.

In Austria, approximately 20 divers and volunteers from the Villach and Sattendorf water rescue services joined the Austrian Federal Forests (ÖBf) to remove debris from Ossiacher See near Annenheim. The team recovered various items from the lakebed, including bottles, car tires, and a large tarp. The ÖBf, acting as a major lake manager in Austria, organizes these seasonal cleanups in collaboration with local diving clubs, fire departments, and municipalities to protect sensitive habitats.