Questions about volunteering

What types of jobs will I be doing?

Depending on the day, you may do any or all of the following:

• Help set up boats, paddles, and life vests

• Help people check in at our table

• Answer basic questions from the public (don’t worry, we’ll tell you what you need to know)

• Fit people into life vests

• Explain the basic paddling strokes (don’t worry, we’ll show you how)

• Explain our rules and the boundaries of the paddling area

• Help people into and out of kayaks

• Talk to other volunteers to keep things running efficiently

• Help put things away at the end of the day

• Go for a paddle (with your program leader’s OK)

Once you’ve volunteered a few times, you may decide you’d like to be a program leader and/or a safety boater, in which case you’ll need additional training before you can be approved to volunteer in those roles:

• Program leaders: These specially trained volunteers run the program, manage volunteers, answer questions, and execute opening/closing procedures. Only approved volunteers may sign up as program leaders.

• Safety boaters: These specially trained volunteers make sure our paddlers stay safe! They monitor the kayakers, give on-water paddling instruction, and perform rescues when necessary. Only certified volunteers may sign up as safety boaters.

Are there any perks for volunteers?

Volunteering will earn you our undying love and appreciation, as well as the good feelings that come with doing something good for the community. But if that’s not enough, you’ll also get special access to free volunteer-only trips around New York Harbor (and sometimes beyond), kayak skills sessions, friends and family paddles, and social events. On top of that, our active volunteers are eligible for discounted classes from The Kayak Foundation; for more information, send an email to hello@bbpboathouse.org.

Do I need to know how to kayak?

Nope! We’ll teach you everything you need to know. We hold periodic volunteer orientations as well as program leader and safety boater training sessions. If you can’t make an orientation session, don’t worry—just sign up for a shift, and we’ll teach you the basics during your shift.

How often do I have to volunteer?

As much or as little as you want! We have flexible 2.5-hour shifts, so you can volunteer whatever time works best for you. We’re happy to have you, even if it’s only for one shift!

Questions related to our safety policies

What are the boathouse’s safety policies?

Read our On-Water Safety Policies 2023 Update

What are the criteria for becoming a safety boater?

Read our SOT Safety Boater Training 2023 Update

What are the criteria for becoming a safety boater trainer?

Read our SOT Safety Boater Trainer Certification 2023 Update

What are the criteria for becoming a trip leader (TL) or assistance trip leader (ATL)?

Read our TL and ATL Criteria 2023 Update

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