15 Hours Underwater for Our Reefs: A Community United for Conservation

At exactly 12:00 noon Friday February 21st, Jay Jeter descended beneath the surface of Roatan’s waters with an ambitious goal: to complete a 24-hour continuous dive in support of reef protection and marine conservation and to celebrate his 60th birthday in an unforgettable way.

What followed over the next 15 hours, 26 minutes and 38 seconds became something far greater than a personal challenge. It became a celebration with purpose.

Friends, divers, local businesses and conservation supporters came together to stand beside Jay on this special quest. While he marked a milestone birthday underwater, the entire community joined in, not just to celebrate him, but to support the reefs we all love.

Jay reached a maximum depth of 54 feet, maintained an average depth of 23 feet and completed a one-hour safety stop at 10 feet, surrounded by encouragement both above and below the surface.

More Than a Dive: A Shared Commitment

This challenge was never just about endurance. It was about transforming a personal celebration into collective action for conservation.

Thanks to Jay’s determination and the overwhelming generosity of our community, we raised nearly $20,000 for marine conservation initiatives.

These funds will directly support:

• Game Changers Camp: Printing educational manuals and learning materials to empower the next generation of environmental leaders.

• Beach Signage: Installing educational and regulatory signs to promote responsible beach use and environmental awareness.

• Solar Beacons for Channel Markers: Enhancing maritime safety with solar-powered navigation aids while reducing environmental impact.

• Turtle Conservation Project: Supporting sea turtle monitoring, protection, and community engagement efforts.

• Expansion of our EcoStore Inventory: Increasing sustainable product offerings that generate revenue for conservation programs.

• Coral Restoration Program: Continuing active reef restoration efforts to strengthen and rehabilitate our coral ecosystems.

  
  

Every contribution reflects a shared belief that Roatan’s reefs are worth protecting.

A True Team Effort

An undertaking of this scale requires an extraordinary support network.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated team who supported Jay throughout this challenge: Kim Gow, Dr. John Schorling, Sophie Schorling, Alan Walter, Jeff Johnson of Generations Below: The Hunt, Robert Weiss of Lake Travis Scuba, Daniel and his two young helpers, Mark Lambert, Nic and every diver who joined him underwater. An extra special thank you goes to Lavina Arlotta Jeter — wife, constant support and steadfast presence throughout the entire journey.

We are also sincerely grateful to the businesses that generously provided support: Las Rocas Dive Center, Bad Ass Java, Bananarama, Cafe Rubio, and the Glass Bottom Boat team.

The Impact Continues

While the dive has concluded, its impact is only beginning.This event demonstrated the power of community, how people can come together to celebrate a life milestone while simultaneously advancing conservation. It showed that meaningful change happens when passion is shared.

On behalf of the entire Roatan Marine Park team, thank you to everyone who donated, participated, shared the story and stood with us in protecting Roatan’s marine ecosystems. Together, we turned a birthday into a movement.