Boaters Invited to Dockwalker Training

Byline: The Log Staff

Boaters Invited to Dockwalker Training

SACRAMENTO — Boaters are being invited to help keep California waterways clean by participating in a Dockwalker training session. The free sessions help boaters inform other boaters about how to keep California’s marinas and waterways pollution-free.

Presented by California’s Department of Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating) and the California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green program, the free classes show students how they can make a difference.

“Working toward keeping California’s waterways free from environmental hazards — such as oil, fuel, sewage, trash and marine debris — is what drives volunteers to participate in the Dockwalker program,” stated Cal Boating’s acting director Lucia Becerra. “It is rewarding for them to know that their efforts now will help future generations enjoy clean waterways.”

The Dockwalker program educates boaters to be safe and environmentally sound while boating in the Golden State. Volunteers are trained to conduct face-to-face boater education and distribute boater kits with educational information at marinas, boat launch ramps, boat shows and events.

The 2013 boater kits include: “A Boater’s Guide to Keeping Pollutants Out of the Water;” an oil-absorbent pillow; and a variety of informative Clean and Safe Boating resources, including “Environmental Boating Laws Every Recreational Boater Should Know” and the most recent “ABCs of Boating Law.” Newly trained Southern California Dockwalkers will receive the new edition of the “Southern California Boater’s Guide.” Marinas and yacht clubs are being encouraged to participate in the program, which provides educational materials and tools to help operate a clean boating facility.

“What we hear from Dockwalkers is, it’s very rewarding to them to know that their efforts will help future generations enjoy clean waterways,” said Gloria Sandoval, public information officer for Cal Boating.

The Dockwalker program was designed in partnership with the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation (Cal Boating Clean Vessel Act Program), the Keep the Delta Clean Program, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons and other organizations.

According to Cal Boating, more than 700 volunteers have become Dockwalkers — and more than 90,000 boater kits have been distributed throughout California since the program’s inception in 2000.

To become a volunteer or to receive more information, call the program coordinator, Vivian Matuk, at (415) 904-6905 or visit boatingcleanandgreen.com.

Upcoming Dockwalker Training Sessions

Feb. 23 — San Diego
10 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Mission Bay Yacht Club
1215 El Carmel Place, San Diego

March 2 — Oxnard
9-11:45 a.m.
U.S. Coast Guard Recruiting Center, Channel Islands Harbor
4202 S. Victoria, Oxnard

April 4 — Webinar
7-9 p.m.
Space is limited and registration is required, at gotomeeting.com/register/774499198

April 6 — Orange County
10 a.m-12:45 p.m.
Orange County Sheriff Harbor Patrol Office
1901 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar

April 27 — Redondo Beach
10 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
King Harbor Yacht Club
280 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach

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