Miami Waterkeeper Training Wants “1,000 Eyes on the Water”

Laura Chaibongsai, Program Director at Miami Waterkeeper, delivers their 1000 Eyes on the Water patrol training at the Key Biscayne Community Center, Oct. 17 (Key News_Briana Gibbs)

BY ANNALI HAYWARD and BRIANA GIBBS

With serious water quality issues swirling around Key Biscayne, several dozen people attended a training session Thursday at the Key Biscayne Community Center to learn how to help patrol the water. 

Miami Waterkeeper Program Director Laura Chaibongsai opened proceedings by introducing the organization, which is dedicated to ensuring swimmable, drinkable, fishable water for all. 

The group is a member of the National Waterkeeper Alliance and works to uphold the ideals of the Clean Water Act, which allows organizations like Miami Waterkeeper to sue agencies in the event they are not enforcing it. 

For their new program – “500 people, 1,000 eyes; one mission” – Miami Waterkeeper wants beachgoers to learn to be observant and report what they see. This will help keep track of changes in and around local beaches. 

Patrollers should note things like water and weather conditions, locations and any other details depending on what it is they are reporting – be that natural habitat destruction, boat activity or pollution. Chaibongsai was careful to remind volunteers to always put personal safety first when out in the field – and never to trespass for a report. 

Attendees also benefited from a discussion on the current water quality issues on Key Biscayne. Bonnie and Ken Backes said the training was very informative and they previously “were not aware such an organization existed” as a place to report pollution. 

Jane Torres, an avid snorkeler, reported seeing fewer fish in recent years. She said she attended Thursday because “the ocean is what I care about.” 

Samir Bader agreed, saying he came because “this is something very important to our community.” 

Attendees can register online as trainees with Miami Waterkeeper. 

For more information and upcoming trainings: https://www.miamiwaterkeeper.org/water_patrol