Women Over 64 Dive to Clean Cape Cod Ponds, Removing 6,000 Pounds of Trash
Founded in 2017 by retired psychologist Susan Baur, Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage (OLAUG) has successfully removed around 6,000 pounds of debris from the freshwater ponds of Cape Cod. The organization, comprising roughly 30 women over the age of 64, conducts 20 dives each year from Falmouth to Chatham. Members, who are capable of swimming half a mile in less than 30 minutes and diving to depths of 8-10 feet, handle the logistics for these cleanups. They collaborate with local pond groups and have had to delay dives due to hazardous cyanobacteria levels. Among the retrieved items are beer cans, golf balls, and an 80-pound blue toilet. Their initiatives have garnered attention from The New York Times and Upworthy, offering members like Marci Johnson a chance to remain active and engaged.
Key facts
- OLAUG has removed 6,000 pounds of garbage since 2017.
- The group has about 30 members and organizes around 20 formal dives each year.
- Founded by retired psychologist Susan Baur.
- Members must be women over 64 and proficient swimmers.
- Applicants must swim half a mile in under 30 minutes and dive to depths of 8 to 10 feet.
- Cleanups involve a 'beach boss', kayakers, and a swimmer watching for snapping turtles.
- The group has postponed dives when cyanobacteria levels were unsafe.
- Recovered items include an 80-pound blue toilet and part of a Chevrolet Corvette.
Entities
Artists
- Susan Baur
- Marci Johnson
Institutions
- Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage (OLAUG)
- The New York Times
- Upworthy
Locations
- Cape Cod
- Falmouth
- Chatham