Of the 265 miles of water trail our region offers, Five Rivers MetroParks manages nearly 39 miles. The 185-acre Eastwood Lake and many smaller lakes and ponds in the Miami Valley are home to many great paddling opportunities. 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. Led by expert staff, these programs provide an opportunity to learn basic paddling skills and safety while on the water.
Impact
Program Support volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging programming like these to the public. These volunteers assist with a variety of tasks including set up, tear down, registration, and program education. This particular volunteer opportunity will support program safety by providing assistance on the water at Try Paddlesports, 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 Training is required.
Tasks
- 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 is a Long-Term Volunteer Opportunity. Learn more about our types of service here.
Additional Notes
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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 and paddling for a long period of time.
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at the shelter. 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 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.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.
See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.
