On Cape Cod, a unique group of senior women are making waves by free-diving into freshwater ponds to retrieve underwater garbage. Since 2017, the nonprofit known as Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage has removed an estimated 6,000 pounds of trash, turning environmental action into a powerful source of community and purpose.
- Senior women free-dive to clean Cape Cod ponds
- 6,000 pounds of trash removed since 2017
- Group blends environmental care with social connection
What happened
A dedicated team called Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage (OLAUG) has been actively free-diving in Cape Cod’s freshwater ponds since 2017, removing trash items like beer cans, golf balls, tires, and even an 80-pound toilet. These women, all over 65, prepare carefully with safety protocols, including scouting ponds and monitoring water quality before each dive. The group cleans about 20 ponds each season from May to October, supporting local pond coalitions and protecting wildlife habitats.
The founder, Susan Baur, an 85-year-old retired psychologist, started the group after realizing that traditional Atlantic swimming wasn’t safe for her and finding a love for the local ponds. When signs and barriers failed to stop trash from appearing, she and a friend began retrieving underwater garbage by kayak and dive. Their efforts quickly grew into a passionate nonprofit focused on both environmental impact and community.
Why it feels good
Beyond the physical cleanup, OLAUG fulfills a deeper need for its members: connection, purpose, and an active sense of identity beyond traditional elderly hobbies. Many women join seeking friendship, excitement, or a sense of gratitude after life’s losses. The group fosters a joyful atmosphere where members support each other, share laughs, and tackle challenges together, proving that purpose and adventure can flourish at any age.
The work is challenging and chilly, yet the women return from dives with smiles and a sense of accomplishment. The group's playful camaraderie, dubbed jokingly as ‘a bunch of old ladies against underwater garbage,’ brings a special dynamic that encourages perseverance and shared joy. Additionally, their refusal to accept payment but happily taking cookies and hot chocolate adds a heartwarming personal touch to their mission.
What to enjoy or watch next
If you’re inspired by OLAUG’s unique blend of environmentalism and community, consider exploring local volunteer groups focused on nature conservation, especially those welcoming diverse ages and abilities. Watching documentaries or local news segments about similar grassroots efforts can offer both motivation and insight into how individuals can impact their environment positively.
For those near Cape Cod or similar regions, joining pond and waterway cleanup initiatives or trying out gentle water sports like kayaking or swimming can be a great way to connect with nature. Keep an eye out for updates from OLAUG and related nonprofits via social media or local events as they continue their seasonal efforts to protect and cherish freshwater ecosystems.