Registration Now Open
Los Angeles CA— The statewide Dockwalker program continues its multi-year boater-education efforts with five free local Dockwalker workshops March through May. Dockwalkers increase boater awareness about clean and safe boating practices, thus improving the recreation experience in California while helping to preserve its wildlife habitat and water quality. The Dockwalker program is coordinated by The Bay Foundation (TBF), California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), and California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program.
As face-to-face interaction, in addition to the Boater Kits, has proven to be a highly effective way to provide information to boaters, Dockwalkers connect to the boating community in local harbors and at boating events. This boating season, approximately 150 active Dockwalkers will promote clean boating through education all across the state, with the goal of improving the quality of harbor and inland waters.
“Boat owners appreciate the opportunity to fill out the questionnaire and receive information about environmentally-responsible boating,” states certified Dockwalker John Carroll. “[Boaters] are also thankful that someone is taking the time to spread the word about environmental safeguards among the boating community.”
The updated 2018 Boater Kits include extensive boating information, clean and safe boating education resources, a Tide Calendar, along with an oil absorbent sheet, oil absorbent pillow, and a fuel bib, a pollution prevention tool that is placed around the nozzle of the fuel pump and captures accidental spills and leaks while fueling.
“In the true spirit of our pollution prevention efforts, we developed environmentally responsible Boater Kits,” states Vivian Matuk of DBW, and the Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program Manager. “All the materials included in the kits are made from non- or low-toxic materials and printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.”
The Dockwalkers also inform boaters about additional tools that TBF’s Boater Education Program and its partners continue to create for boaters, including the free downloadable “Pumpout Nav” app (iOs or Android), which gives details of the nearest sewage pumpout stations, and provides information on environmental risks and regulations regarding sewage discharge.
“The Dockwalker program is a fun and valuable way to engage with boaters and further develop community ties. Dockwalkers are out on the water, in harbors, and at local events, conveniently bringing clean boating tips and resources to where the boaters already are,” states Victoria Gambale, TBF’s Water Quality Programs Manager. “Since 2000 when the statewide Dockwalker program launched, over 100,000 boaters have been educated about clean boating practices by our network of volunteer Dockwalkers.”
To become a Dockwalker volunteer, please contact Victoria Gambale at [email protected], or sign up for a Dockwalker training online.
Find more information, visit http://www.santamonicabay.org/explore/our-communities/clean-boating/volunteer-us/. Training is free. Registration is required.
Spring 2018 Dockwalker Trainings will be held at the following times and locations:
March 30, 2018 – Oxnard
1 – 3:30 PM
US Coast Guard Recruiting Center Channel Islands Harbor
4202 S. Victoria Avenue Oxnard, CA 93036
March 31, 2018 – Marina Del Rey
10 AM – 12:45 PM
Del Rey Yacht Club
13900 Palawan Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
April 14, 2018 – San Diego
10 AM – 12:45 PM
Silver Gate Yacht Club (Banquet Room, 1st Floor)
2091 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106
April 28, 2018 – Newport Beach
10 AM – 12:45 PM
Newport Sea Base (Foxtrot Room)
1931 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663
May 12, 2018 – San Pedro
10 AM – 12:45 PM
Holiday Harbor Marina
241 Watchorn Walk, Berth 34, San Pedro, CA 90731