Of the 265 miles of water trail our region offers, Five Rivers MetroParks manages nearly 39 miles. Five Rivers MetroParks offers a variety of paddling programs to help the public connect to our region's many waterways. Led by expert staff, these programs provide an opportunity to learn basic paddling skills and safety while on the water. Prior paddling experience and completion of Five Rivers MetroParks Safety Boater 2026 Training and check-off are required.
Impact
Safety boater volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging programming like these to the public. These volunteers assist with various tasks, including set up, tear down, equipment fitting, and program education. This volunteer opportunity will support program safety by assisting on the water at the beginning-level paddling program offered on calm waters within our Five Rivers MetroParks.
Tasks
- Assist the staff lead in distributing and fitting life jackets on participants.
- Assist participants in getting in and out of boats.
- Safely paddle throughout the Try Paddlesports paddling area.
- Provide paddling tips to participants.
- Alert staff to any issues, concerns, or hazards.
- Help set up and tear down as needed.
- You are the face of MetroParks at this event...smile, be enthusiastic, and enjoy the event!
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as Safety Boater.
- GET
STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check), plus Safety Boater training and Check Off. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
Additional Notes
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Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark.Volunteers should park and meet staff at the grassy spot by Blue Lake. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the program. The staff lead will orient volunteers to the program and review how to safely and efficiently assist participants in and out of the boats and on rotation for breaks. You can review this video on fitting a life jacket before coming to your shift: Appropriate fitting of a Life Jacket. Staff will review the correct life jacket fitting at the beginning of each shift.
Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and will participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. This opportunity requires being on the water, possibly in the water, and paddling for a long period of time.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel, and appropriate water friendly shoes, a full water bottle, and sunscreen.
Learn more about Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.
Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay inv
olved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:
Program Support for Outdoor Recreation
