Volunteer for DSA Alberta!

Every season, our dedicated DSA Alberta staff and over 100 volunteers contribute to the safe operation of our daily programming.  As a DSAA volunteer, you will learn about sailing, assist our sailors, meet new people -- and have a lot of fun in the sun. Our volunteers come from many and varied backgrounds - the sailing community, the medical community, our Sponsors, and the community at large.  Our volunteers are an integral part of our operation each year. 

Volunteer Benefits

• Volunteers receive training to ensure their safety and our members'.  
• Volunteers may join a Learn-to-Sail course, book one of our Martin 16s or the Sonar at any time under the normal booking rules and fees. 
• Volunteer Sailing Credits provide "credits" to be applied to sailing sessions for their volunteer contribution to the success of our programs

Volunteer Roles

Working with our sailors is a great way to get outside and learn more about sailing and the disabled community. Here are some of the things that DSA Alberta volunteers do each day:

• Rig the boats for sailing sessions and assist people with disabilities in and out of the boats.
• Be a "Sailing Companion" (CYA White Sail III certification required) and take novice sailors out for their first rides.  
• Help us organize our public and disabled community events.
• Assist our staff to carry out the day-to-day operations of the DSA-Alberta.
• Apply your "hands-on" skills to help us maintain our fleet of Martin 16s and the Sonar.
• Apply your writing, editing, web-design or computer skills to help the DSA staff communicate with our many stakeholders.

Q: Do I need special training?

No. Providing comprehensive orientation and training for our staff and volunteers is a key component of our focus on safety.  Each season, we host Volunteer Orientation days, provide a Staff & Volunteer Orientation Guide covering all aspects of our operations, qualify Volunteers for Sailing Companion role, and provide "hands-on" training during the season.

Q: Can my sailing experience be used?

Definitely! If you're certified to CYA White Sail III (or when you pass an equivalent skills test), you can accompany sailors as a Sailing Companion.

Q:  If I don't know how to sail, what is there for me to do?

Volunteers help DSAA staff with every aspect of running the program and, most of all, making sure that we all have fun!! A large component of our programming requires organizing and running events for children and adults with disabilities.  If you're good at this, we'd welcome your contribution!

Any experience you may have working with the disabled, or medical/ physiotherapy or nursing skills, handyman, flexibility and cheerfulness are always helpful.

Q: Do I have to be strong?

No, however it is important that you advise DSAA staff of any physical injuries or limitations that you may have. It is your responsibility to participate in activities that you're suited for.

Q: Will I be insured?

DSAA carries $2,000,000 General Liability insurance. As in most leisure activities there is a degree of risk involved as helping may involve physical exertion and being near the water. All participants - both sailors and volunteers - are required to complete and sign a Release and Waiver of Liability.

Q:  Can I learn to sail at DSA Alberta?

Yes!  Many of our volunteers have learned to sail by becoming a Member of DSA Alberta and joining our Learn-to-Sail courses.   Membership in DSA Alberta and access to our programs and courses is open to anyone.  If you've always wanted to learn to sail -  come join us at DSA Alberta!

Q:  Am I allowed to sail the DSA Alberta boats?

You may join DSA Alberta at any time, and receive access to our boats, programs and courses.  You may book and sail our Martin 16s and the Sonar, under the terms of your Membership. 

Q:  How will I be rewarded for my volunteer contribution?

We find that we all learn a lot about each other through the sport / recreation of sailing. You can help make sailing accessible to Albertans that otherwise wouldn't be able to sail.

Volunteer Sailing Credits recognize your volunteer contribution by providing "credits" to be applied to sailing sessions for each volunteer contribution, as follows:

• Community Partner event (any function) - credit one sailing session

• Sailing Companion - credit one sailing session

• Help rigging/de-rigging - credit one sailing session

• Organize a Friday night Social - credit one sailing session.

Your Volunteer Sailing Credits may be redeemed at any time for Independent Sailing Sessions or to participate in Wednesday Night Racing.

Q: What level of commitment is expected?

It's up to you. Let us know what level of involvement you feel comfortable with. If you do commit to helping out on a particular day -- please arrive promptly, and call us a day ahead if you're unable to make it.

Participants in all DSA Alberta programs (members, clients of community partnership events and all volunteers) complete a Release of Liability and a Medical Information form. Completed forms are kept on file in the DSA Alberta office.  Information provided on the Medical Information and Release form is confidential and will only be used to assist in the event of an accident, injury or medical emergency, and to identify emergency contacts, parents or legal guardians, etc.