Morro Bay State Park seeks kayak and stand-up paddleboard volunteers
– Morro Bay State Park is seeking volunteers who enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to join the SeaLife Stewards Volunteer Program for the 2026 season. Applications must be submitted by April 7.
Now in its 11th year, the program sends volunteers out on the waters of Morro Bay every weekend during the summer to connect with fellow recreationists and promote responsible wildlife viewing. Volunteers participate in one in-person training and one on-the-water training and evaluation. Training, led by subject matter experts, covers wildlife identification, boating safety, and effective ways to engage with people on the water to increase public awareness and reduce wildlife disturbance.
Many wildlife species in Morro Bay are sensitive to repeated disturbance from watercraft. SeaLife Stewards provide roving educational opportunities for water recreators, including sharing safe viewing guidelines for Southern sea otters, harbor seals, California sea lions, and birds that rely on Morro Bay for food, shelter, and resting habitat.
Volunteers must be able to swim and kayak. Stand-up paddleboard participants must bring their own board. Accepted volunteers are expected to commit to a minimum of two four-hour shifts per month and must complete registration paperwork, a Live Scan background check, and the required training.
Mandatory training sessions are scheduled for Saturday, May 16, and Saturday, June 6. Volunteers must be able to attend both sessions.
To apply, visit parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25420. For additional questions, contact Victoria Woolfolk at sealifestewards@parks.ca.gov.
