Paddling a kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), or other paddle craft is a great way to explore nature and enjoy the region's various water features. Five Rivers MetroParks offers a variety of paddling programs to help the public connect to our region's many waterways. Of the 265 miles of water trail our region offers, Five Rivers MetroParks manages nearly 39 miles. Our certified staff leads our paddling programs, and with the assistance of trained volunteers, are able to provide an opportunity to learn basic paddling skills and safety while on the water for more of our community. Volunteers will support program safety by assisting on the water at a beginning-level paddling program offered on calm waters within our Five Rivers MetroParks. 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 staff with any setup and tear down needs, including unloading and loading equipment and canoe/kayak.
- Assist participants in selecting a safety vest and fit correctly for use.
- Assist participants in selecting canoe/kayak and safely entering and entering it.
- Safely paddle throughout the Try Paddlesports paddling area.
- Provide paddling tips to participants.
- Alert staff to any issues, concerns, or hazards.
- 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: This location is a little off the beaten path, but close to southern portion of Englewood. Doctor Bower Lake is part of the City of Englewood, and the parking lot is located at 811 Wenger Road, Englewood Ohio. Click her to see location. Volunteers should park, and staff lead will meet you in the parking area. 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 water friendly shoes, and have a full water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.
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
