Slapping a cop can land you in jail, Chrissie Chau can actually act, LeBron James never wanted to leave Cleveland – these are all very common misconceptions. But while those are still up for debate, the group behind Discover Blue is out to show the public just how wrong the idea that one person’s action won’t make a difference to the environment really is.

In their office/classroom/shop, Dennis Chan and his team of avid scuba divers at the Blue Lagoon Diving Centre came up with the fun yet informative event to get people to be more environmentally-friendly by providing a cheap and easy opportunity to see and experience being in the ocean for themselves.

Beginning on August 25 and running for a month, Blue Lagoon – in collaboration with Ocean Park Conservation Foundation (OPCF) – will be holding five two-hour weekly seminars on Wednesday evenings followed by a full day of scuba diving at Sai Kung that Saturday. Speakers from OPCF will talk about marine life and oceanic preservation and provide basic diving tips on breathing and pressure release during the seminars.

Chan says, “We want to increase people’s knowledge of recycling through firsthand experience. They usually think that the ocean is far away so it doesn’t really affect me. With this opportunity, they can see how pollution is affecting them and the Hong Kong environment. By also seeing the beauty of the sea, it would be easier for them to understand and think about their everyday actions.”

Blue Lagoon is charging only $100 for the two hundred available slots with all the proceeds going to the OPCF. They kept the price low to target first-time divers who’ve always thought that scuba diving is expensive and complicated. The payment includes boat and scuba gear rental, and even a small lunch. With dives consisting of one or two people to depths of only five to six metres, partner and PADI Master Instructor Lewis Tang ensures participants have nothing to worry about. “They just need to breathe and enjoy what they see as an instructor would be next to them at all times. It’s going to be like learning how to drive.”

What you find underwater might surprise you as Hong Kong’s marine biodiversity is rather rich. The group lists hard and soft corals, small creatures such as sea horses, clown fish and several species of crabs and shrimps among things to watch for.

Seeing is believing, so by making it so easy to try the addictive sport, it exponentially increases the awareness for ocean conservation. Business development manager Matthew Carter says, “Most people who try it for the first time end up taking the certification course. The feeling of being underwater is amazing, it’s like you’re weightless in outer space.”

Leon Lee

For more information and registration, call 2890 9266.