BELLINGHAM WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Volunteers on the Water: Stewarding Bellingham Bay Paddle by Paddle
Join Community Boating Center’s volunteer program to staff shifts, earn rental credits and gear perks, and take part in social appreciation events that keep Bellingham Bay accessible and safe.
Volunteers on the Water: Stewarding Bellingham Bay Paddle by Paddle.
Join a vibrant volunteer community that promotes safe access to Bellingham Bay by staffing shifts, leading programs and supporting on-water operations; volunteers self-select shifts they are certified for, earn rewards for hours contributed, and take part in social events that bind the community together.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A rotating crew of stewards
Volunteers choose shifts they are certified for and join a network of paddlers and shore staff who create opportunities to learn, socialize and recreate on the bay—building access and safety through shared effort.
Earn gear and access as you give time
Hours translate directly into tangible rewards—rental coupons, volunteer rental-code access, apparel, season passes and special recognition—creating a clear ladder of benefits for sustained contribution.
Appreciation and social events
Beyond on-water shifts, volunteers are invited to appreciation BBQs and can be featured in a volunteer yearbook—social touchpoints that recognize effort and keep the program communal.
What the day feels like
What it actually feels like to volunteer
The rhythm is practical and flexible: certify for roles, pick available shifts on the calendar, and turn up to staff programs that keep Bellingham Bay accessible. Contributions range from a couple of hours to regular commitments; as your hours accrue you unlock rental credits, event invitations and season-pass rewards while trading work shifts for on-water time and camaraderie.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this volunteer program fits—and who should take a different route.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring whatever personal gear your certified role requires; volunteers can also earn boat rental coupons and, at 3 hours, access to the CBC volunteer rental code to secure equipment—details on required certifications and positions are provided in the volunteer materials.
Two hours of volunteer service earn a $20 boat rental coupon; earned credits or coupons can be donated to select nonprofit partners or to family and friends. Milestone hours unlock stickers, rental-code access, apparel, season passes and other recognitions.
Use the provided calendar to self-select only those volunteer shifts for which you hold certification; consult the operator’s volunteer position and certification documentation for role specifics.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How do I sign up for a volunteer shift?
Use the volunteer calendar to self-select shifts for which you have already been certified.
Are there rewards for volunteering?
Yes—2 hours of service earn a $20 boat rental coupon, and additional hourly milestones unlock stickers, rental-code access, apparel, season passes and other benefits.
When are rental coupons issued?
Coupons are issued in the first week of the month and will be emailed to volunteers.
Can I donate earned credits or coupons?
Yes; earned volunteer credits or coupons can be donated to select nonprofit partners, or to family and friends.
What hourly totals correspond to season passes and top recognition?
Milestones include 50 hours for a Human Powered Season Pass, 60 hours for a Dinghy Plus Season Pass, 80 hours for a Keelboat Season Pass, and 100 hours for a Volunteer Extraordinaire Award.
What if I am not certified for a shift I want to do?
You should first become certified for the position; the calendar is for self-selecting shifts you have already been certified to perform.