Five Rivers MetroParks will be offering "try it" opportunities at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience including Try Paddlesports! Led by expert staff, these event activities provide an opportunity to learn basic paddling skills and safety while on the water. Volunteers will help participants into and out of boats, provide safety support, as well as give site directions. Volunteers help make this a safer and more engaging experience.
Impact
Program Support 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, registration, and program education. This particular volunteer opportunity will support and assist participants in and out of boats at the Paddlesports area at the event.
Tasks
- Greet and welcome participants to the event and the paddlesport area.
- Ensure each paddler is wearing an activity wristband and properly fitted life jacket.
- Assist staff lead with posted safety guidelines for participation in recreation activities as needed.
- Assist paddlers with finding a boat.
- Assist people with moving into boats from the dock to the water and vice versa.
- Monitor the dock area and water for safety.
- Answer any questions to the best of your ability, and direct them to staff if unsure.
- 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 the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Public Service. Learn more about our types of service here.
- Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.
Additional Notes
- IMPORTANT: Please review this Concussion Awareness Handout from the CDC before your volunteer shift. If you suspect that any participant might be showing signs or symptoms of a concussion, alert Five Rivers MetroParks staff right away.
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers off Springfield Street. Volunteers should check in at Volunteer Central in the Bluegrass Shelter by the lagoon. Please arrive 15 minutes early to park, check in, and get to your volunteer location. The staff lead will orient volunteers to the activity, review how to safely and efficiently assist participants in and out of the boats, and rotate 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.
- Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Tyler Middlestead, at 937-671-1152.
- 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 volunteers to be near the water and be observant of their surroundings. Volunteers should bring their favorite water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt, and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check-in onsite.
Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more information on programming volunteer opportunities with us.
