Dockwalker trainings offered to SoCal boaters

LOS ANGELES — From Ventura to San Diego, free Dockwalker workshops will train volunteers in March and April to promote and educate boaters on environmentally-sound boating practices in Southern California.

The workshops are provided by The Bay Foundation (TBF), the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, and the California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron.

“We’ve found this program and its free training an extremely effective and engaging way to interact with boaters to keep California’s marinas, waterways, and the ocean clean,” explained Grace Lee, TBF’s Director of Outreach Programs.

Volunteer Dockwalkers conduct face-to-face boater education and distribute boater kits, which provide educational resources and pollution prevention tools to boaters. Since 2000, more than 700 Dockwalkers throughout California have distributed more than 100,000 boater kits at local marinas, boat launch ramps, fuel docks, boat shows and special events.

One new item they will share with boaters is the free, first-ever eBook / App of the Southern California Boater’s Guide, which is constantly updated and can be downloaded to an iPad (v. 2 and up) through iTunes (Boater’s Guide App). The traditional printed version is also available. The publication has long been the must-have reference for Southern California boaters. Marinas and yacht club members are also encouraged to attend Dockwalker trainings. Benefits of the program include improvements in quality of harbor waters resulting from an increase of boater awareness about clean and safe boating practices.

“Dockwalking at boat shows and yacht clubs is a fun way to meet local boaters and share important information on keeping our oceans and waterways clean and healthy for now and the future,” says Del Rey Yacht Club Director and Volunteer Dockwalker Debbie Wasserman. “I’ve found that every boater wants to preserve our precious environment, they just need to know what they can do to help.”

To become a Dockwalker volunteer, contact Victoria Gambale at (213) 620-2271, vgambale@santamonicabay.org, or visit santamonicabay.org. Training is free. Registration is required.

2015 Spring Dockwalker Trainings will be held at the following times and locations, provided by the following organizations:

March 28 – Dana Point
10 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Aventura Sailing Association
24707 Dana Drive

April 4 -Long Beach
10 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Long Beach Yacht Club
6201 E. Appian Way

April 18- San Diego
10 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Marina Village
1936 Quivira Way

April 25- Ventura
10 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Ventura West Marina
1198 Navigator Drive