Youth divers from across Tampa Bay team up to clean waterways [Video]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Earth Day is just a few days away, and a group of students from a local non-profit are striving to be the voice of their community when it comes to protecting our waterways.

Cole Reuter, 15, is used to diving into the water to look for exotic fish as a member of SCUBAnauts International, but this week, he’s diving into the beaches to look for hazardous trash.

“It makes an impact on the environment cause we are protecting the species that live here. We are also making it prettier and more accessible to everyone who uses these places,” said Reuter.

On April 20, Cole, along with 75 fellow SCUBAnuats, aged from 12 to 18, from across Florida, will be walking along beaches in their respective communities, ready to pick up anything that doesn’t belong.

These students go through a rigorous training program to earn the privilege …