Volunteer at Save The Bay's 37th Annual Swim

Volunteer at Save The Bay's 37th Annual Swim

Are you an early riser? Do you like a busy environment? Then we need your help! Come help us out at the 37th Annual Save The Bay Swim on July 20!

When: Saturday, July 20 | Raindate: Sunday, July 21

Volunteer opportunities include:

Parking: direct cars and cars with trailers into the parking lot. This can be fast paced as the swimmers and kayakers arrive to check in for the Swim.

Kayak Inspection: volunteers work with a partner to check kayaks for required length and appropriate equipment, such as life jackets, whistles, paddle & leash, blankets or towels (inspectors will receive instructions).

Kayak Unloading: volunteers assist kayakers in removing their boats in a timely manner for boat inspection.

Swimmer Numbering: Each swimmer is numbered on either his or her swim cap and arm. Must have large clear writing and not have a problem with transposing numbers.

Parking, Curb and Shuttles: volunteers will keep the road in front of Potter Cove clear for ambulance parking and pedestrians. As well, they will help direct people to the shuttle after the swim.

Outer Finish Line: this job involvesworking with Save The Bay staff at the in-water finish line, documenting the safe arrival of each swimmer onto Jamestown. Volunteers should be prepared to get wet!

Water Shepherd: volunteers are in the water, assisting swimmers across the finish line and onto the beach. Water shepherds are also great cheerleaders, applauding the swimmers for their 1.7 mile accomplishment.

Barrier Monitor: monitors stand in the water and around the perimeter of the beach gates to prevent spectators from (unintentionally) interfering with the swimmers' check in. You will also be asked to help with other tasks as needed.

Swimmer Food Tent: volunteers provide fruit, drinks, and light snacks for swimmers who may by dehydrated or need a quick energy boost. These volunteers will also keep an eye on the trash and recycling cans. Please empty the bags and replace them as needed. A runner will come by to take the full trash and recycle bags away.

Popsicle Stick Swimmer Numbering: Your role is to take the popsicle sticks from the swimmers at the shore and write their swimmer participant number clearly and correctly on the popsicle stick. This is how we account for every swimmer's time and number over the line and the fact that they are safely out of the water.

Swimmer Towels: volunteers hand towels to the swimmers when they arrive at the beach at Potter Cove. You must be forceful and be sure that ONLY swimmers or volunteers who are in the water at the finish line receive a towel. These are highly sought after items, but there are only enough for the registered swimmers and handful of water volunteers.

Swimmer Shirts: volunteers hand the very much coveted shirts to swimmers after they have passed through check-out and received any necessary medical attention. Please be sure that only swimmers receive shirts. If a swimmer asks for a shirt for their kayaker, please notify them that kayakers will receive their shirts at the kayaker check out station. There are only enough shirts to go to those who registered and participated in the event.

Kayaker Check Out & Shirts: Volunteers will be in and out of the water (knee to thigh high), collecting athlete pinnies from all of the kayakers that come in off the water from the event. You will need to take the pinnies to the check out table for our staff to mark off that the kayaker has made it to land safely. You will then need to give a Participant Shirt to the kayaker. You will get wet and a little sandy/muddy in this role.

Time Sheet Runners: You'll be going from the finish boats with paper time sheets, through the water, to the land to drop at the check-out tent. Land Time Sheet Runners will run time sheets from the beach to the results van on the lawn across the street. Volunteers should be meticulous and be comfortable moving safely and swiftly in water or on land.

Green Team: volunteers work during the event to monitor and haul bags from the trash, recycling, and compost bins to the dumpster areas nearby. Green Team Volunteers will help ensure we leave the site as beautiful as we found it.

Runners: volunteers are often needed to make trips between the beach and the lawn for additional supplies at the finish. You will also be asked to empty trash barrels at the lawn and beach and take the bags to the dumpsters throughout the event.

Party Tent Helpers: Volunteers will help with food preparation, serving, and greeting swimmers

On the Water

Safety Squad Kayakers: volunteers will use their own kayak and safety gear to serve as general swimmer safety on the water. Safety Squad Kayakers are NOT paddling for a swimmer, but are part of the general safety squad.

Requirements: All volunteers must be 12 years of age or older to volunteer at this event. Any volunteer under the age of 16 must participate with an adult. Volunteers should be comfortable being on their feet, doing some light lifting, and carrying when necessary based on the task for the day. Volunteers must be able to stay for their whole shift and arrive on time, as this is a time sensitive event. It will also be helpful for volunteers to have availability on July 21, the event Rain Date, should we have to move dates - we'll still need volunteers!

NOTE: While we try to accommodate based on preference, know you may be asked to volunteer in another capacity where we can use the help.

Sign up: Register online to volunteer for this event or email/call volunteer@savebay.org or 272.3540 x 130