Can you help out at a KSSA event?
KSSA events can only run successfully and safely with a team of suitably qualified and competent volunteers. We’re always looking for new people to build the team. This is a great opportunity for parents, guardians and other adults to get involved. On the water or off, these are the roles we generally need and read further down for how you can get involved.
On the Water
You’ll need wet kit, warm layers, boots and a buoyancy aid. Providing safety cover and assistance, supporting the coaches, mark laying and recovery.
Safety boat Helm
This is a trained position driving the safety boat, you must have a minimum of RYA Powerboat (PB2) qualification. The RYA Safety Boat qualification is beneficial. You must have solid practical experience working with sailing dinghies.
Safety Boat Crew
No specific qualifications are required but it is useful if you have recent safety boat experience.
On the Beach
The beach team are responsible for the safe launching and recovery of sailing dinghies and support boats and to help the young sailors on and off the water as required.
Beachmaster
VHF radio experience is necessary. Leading the beach team, this involves overseeing launching and recovery. Communicating with parents/responsible adults and the on the water safety team.
Launch/Recovery Team
Be ready to get wet and a bit mucky. Sailing kit is often required particularly at sea venues to get into the water to help launching and recovering. You will need a buoyancy aid, but may be able to borrow one.
On the Shore
First Aid
A qualified first aider is required to be onsite at all events. KSSA provide their own First Aid Kit.
Tally
This is a vital shore-based safety role and oversees the handing out and retrieval of sailors’ numbered wristbands given to the sailors when launching and recovering to ensure everyone is accounted for.
Registration
No sailing experience is required, but an eye for detail is helpful. This involves checking in the sailors on arrival, confirming details including safety contact details, sail numbers and boat type etc. Updating and distributing entry lists to the shoreside and on the water safety teams and coaches.
On the Racecourse
Race Officer
A highly experienced position which involves setting the race course and running the races.
Committee Boat/Finish boat
This ideally requires some experience of starting races with flags and recording finish positions. If you’ve not done this role before but think you’d like to give it a go, get in touch and we will try to get you involved.
How to get Involved
If you feel you’d like to help, please fill in the KSSA Event Volunteer Form so that we have your details. You only need to do this once unless something changes. Prior to each event we will identify who is coming from the event entry and compare with our volunteer list. We will contact you, usually by email, to check your availability and confirm.
If you you have any further questions or would like to discuss volunteering at our events, please contact the Commodore
