Morro Bay State Park is seeking volunteers who enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to join the SeaLife Stewards Volunteer Program, returning for the 2026 season this summer. Paddle recreating nature-lovers who enjoy engaging with other people are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted by April 7, 2026.
This year marks the eleventh year of the SeaLife Stewards program. Volunteers paddle the waters of Morro Bay every weekend during the summer, connecting with fellow recreationists while promoting responsible wildlife viewing.
SeaLife Stewards participate in one in-person training and one on-the-water training and evaluation. Training led by subject matter experts includes 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 serve the public by providing roving educational opportunities for water recreators, including sharing safe viewing guidelines for Southern sea otters, harbor seals, California sea lions, and the birds that rely on Morro Bay for food, shelter and resting habitat.
Volunteers must be able to swim and kayak. SUP participants must bring their own stand-up paddleboard. A minimum commitment of two four-hour shifts per month is expected. Accepted volunteers will need to complete registration paperwork, a Live Scan background check and the required training.
Mandatory training sessions are scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, and Saturday, June 6, 2026, and volunteers must be able to attend both sessions.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25420.
Applications must be submitted by April 7, 2026.
For additional questions, please contact Victoria Woolfolk at [email protected].