Boaters Invited to Dockwalker Trainings

SACRAMENTO — Boaters are invited to help keep California waterways clean by participating in a Dockwalker training session. The free sessions help to train boaters on how to inform others 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 boat owners how they can make a difference.

“California is fortunate to have volunteer Dockwalkers who carry out the important message of keeping the state’s waterways safe and clean with a high sense of pride,” stated Cal Boating’s deputy director Sylvia O. Hunter. “We invite others to join in this effort so that future generations can enjoy clean waterways. The benefits of an informed public directly translate to safer and cleaner waters for California.”

The free Dockwalker program educates boaters to be safe and environmentally sound while boating in California. Upon completion of the training program, volunteers become Dockwalkers. Volunteers then conduct face-to-face boater education and distribute boater kits with educational information at marinas, boat launch ramps, boat shows and events.

Hours spent training or educating the public qualify as community service hours.

Upon completion of the training program, volunteers become Dockwalkers.

The 2014 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.

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.

Since the year 2000, more than 700 volunteers have become Dockwalkers and more than 100,000 boater kits have been distributed throughout California

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

Dockwalker Schedule

March 27 – Richmond 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Tradewinds Sailing School & Club 2580 Spinnaker Way, Richmond, Calif., 94804

April 5 – San Pedro 10 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Cabrillo Yacht Marina (San Pedro) 224 Whalers Walk, San Pedro, Calif., 90731

April 8 – Petaluma 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Petaluma Yacht Club 10 C St, Petaluma, Calif., 94952

April 26 – Oceanside 10 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. Oceanside Yacht Club (Hetrick Room on the 2nd floor) 1950 Harbor Drive North Oceanside, Calif., 92054

May 9 – Vacaville 10 a.m.-12:45 a.m. Solano County Water Agency (Engineering Room)  810 Vaca Valley Pkwy #203, Vacaville, Calif., 95688