“Feeling sick? Go out to the ocean and take a swim. It’s the most healing method,” said  Miguel Hernandez, director of Ocean Vida.

 Ocean Vida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating everyone, young and old, about the serious problems related to the beautiful sea. Using non-motorized water activities and sports, such as paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing, are how the organization incorporates having fun with helping to protect the ocean.

 “We would go out and do a huge cleanup and the next day it’s back exactly how we left it,” said Hernandez, describing a trip the group often takes to Key Biscayne.

 Trying to make a difference is challenging when there are a lot issues that aren’t addressed enough in society. Overfishing, pollution, global warming and climate change are just a few examples.

 Ocean Vida members know that some ocean lovers aren’t as fortunate as others. The organization collects grants and donations, which allows them to financially aid the kids who may not be able to pay but would like to participate in the activities and trips that are offered.

 Guardians of the Seas is a course that Ocean Vida offers to kids all year round in South Florida. The 30 hour education program was created to inform kids in science, social studies, reading and writing. Another objective of Ocean Vida is to help make more people appreciative and be knowledgeable about the main source of oxygen and resources on our planet.

 Ocean Vida’s main goals are to attract more students to join the organization and to make enough money in donations to buy a boat. With the boat, the students can go to major coral reefs to snorkel and deeper explore the beauties of the deep blue sea. For those interested in joining, contact Hernandez at [email protected], or visit their website oceanvida.org. Participants will be helping themselves and the animals that so greatly need all of the aid they can get.