A Cornwall-based project is engaging schools up and down the UK to encourage teenagers to spread the message about the critical importance of the health of our oceans.

The Dive Project Cornwall (DPC) is on a mission to empower teenagers to tackle plastic pollution in our oceans. It has teamed up with water company South West Water to give 20 students from 20 secondary schools across the UK the chance to explore Cornwall's colourful marine and coastal environments, and gather and analyse data through citizen science projects.

The winners will receive open water diving training, enjoy outdoor adventures, take up beach-related activities and attend presentations from leading marine industry experts. The aim is for the teens to become open water diving qualified and DPC ocean influencers who can positively engage, inspire and motivate the next generation to save our planet.

“We are delighted to be working with South West Water and are very grateful for the funding they are providing to help deliver our vision to positively engage, inspire and motivate the next generation to save our planet," said Andy Forster, Dive Project Cornwall’s project director.

“Through their own appreciation of the wonders of the marine environment, we will inspire thought as to how we will look after our beaches and oceans and preserve them for future generations to enjoy.”

How does it work?

Any UK secondary school can register until 31st March 2022. A panel of judges - made up of key figures from Cornwall and the dive industry - will meet on 4th April to create a criteria to shortlist the schools.

The shortlisted schools will then be asked to complete three activities and submit their competition entries before 30th May:

1. Design and make a marine creature from single-use plastic
2. Film a two-minute video on why your school should win or wants to win the competition
3. Write a 500-word essay on why we should all protect the ocean.

Check out DPC's ocean pollution pages for inspiration.

The judges will meet again on 30th May to judge the entries and choose 20 winners, with one chosen from each area of the UK. The winning schools will be informed immediately and the first dive week will start in September 2022.

“Supporting Dive Project Cornwall's work to educate and inspire teenagers through immersing themselves in our beautiful underwater world fits beautifully with our continuing work to maintain 100% bathing water quality across our 860 miles of coastline," said Vicky Garner, South West Water’s partnership and community coordinator.

To take part, Go to the Dive Project Cornwall website to register your school by 31st March and keep up-to-date with all the competition details over the coming weeks.