COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Volunteers and professional divers worked together Tuesday morning to protect one of North Idaho’s most popular destinations during Marine Rescue CDA’s annual lake cleanup.
Lake Coeur d’Alene draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, but with that growing popularity comes a greater need to protect the pristine waters that attract tourists and locals alike.
Volunteers collected trash along the shoreline and around Tubbs Hill while divers went underwater to pull debris from below the surface. The cleanup ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. near downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Organizers say the goal extends beyond immediate results; they want to preserve the lake’s natural beauty for generations to come.
“A lot of stuff is out of sight, out of mind in the water, and when we bring it up to the surface, it might bring light to some people who are willing to throw stuff in the water to maybe not next time,” said Darren Prouty, a diver for Marine Rescue CDA.
Prouty is one of several divers who participate in these annual cleanups. He says efforts like this serve multiple purposes beyond aesthetics: they keep the lake safer by removing dangerous debris and electronics, and they improve fish habitat.
The cleanup represents a collaborative effort between divers, boaters, local businesses, first responders, and community members. Multiple sponsors supported the event, including Visit Idaho, Hagadone Marine Group, Diversified Dive, Jake’s Scuba Adventures, and numerous other local businesses.
For future lake visitors, Prouty’s message is simple: pack it in, pack it out.
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