Volunteer
Do you want to be part of a team enabling disabled people to enjoy dinghy sailing? We sail from April to October on Mondays (excluding Bank Holidays) & Thursdays. We need volunteers to fulfill a variety of roles as outlined below. No prior experience is necessary as full training will be given. We are also looking for roles on non-sailing days e.g Fundraising & Events Volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please complete the form at the bottom of this page. We welcome potential volunteers to visit us to see how we operate. Please contact us to arrange a visit.
We need volunteers to fulfill a variety of roles as outlined below. No prior experience is necessary full training will be given.
All TLS Volunteers have to apply for an Enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure, with Barred List check. You will be contacted by one of the TLS Volunteers who will assist you through the process. Volunteer training takes place each March including a Disability Awareness Course and training on each role with a chance to try different roles. Additional and individual training is carried out throughout the season as require with volunteers having opportunity to develop there skills and take part in the RYA volunteer scheme.
Reception team
Receptionist main tasks:
Setup the reception in the Boat House.
Greet and book in sailors: take sailing fees, issue receipts and fit buoyancy aids.
Assist any sailors in wheelchairs to fit sling for hoist.
To record petty cash book, reconcile takings and complete the returns for the Treasurer.
To record & keep records for submission to RYA.
To keep in contact with the pontoon by radio.
Managing the flow of sailors to the pontoon.
To provide drinks to the sailors and volunteers.
At the end of the day store all equipment in its correct place.
Skills
Teamwork
Good Organiser
Computer Skills
Good verbal & written communication
Safety Boat Skipper
During normal operations, the Safety Boat will be manned at all times by a qualified helm accompanied by a crew member. Everyone on site must always be aware of what is happening on the lake in case of incidents that require the Safety Boat.
Main duties include:
Test the safety boat to ensure that it is operational at the beginning of the day.
Launch the safety boat.
Put out buoys for the sailing course .
Return the Safety Boat to the Boat House at the end of the session.
Safety Boat Skipper will have the required RYA qualifications. The crew will receive training.
Skills
RYA PB2 certificate - Essential
People Management
Good Organiser
Outdoor work
Shoreside/Safety Boat Crew
Shoreside Staff/Safety Boat Crew main tasks:
Rig and launch the dinghies.
Welcome sailors and carers onto the pontoon and introduce them to the dinghy skipper.
Ensure Buoyancy Aids are fitted correctly.
Assist the sailor to access the dinghy. If using a hoist this will require two Shore Crew to complete.
Maintain radio contact with Reception.
Record times that the dinghies are sailing.
Store the dinghies in the yard.
Skills
Teamwork
Good Organiser
Computer Skills
Good verbal communication
Dinghy Skippers
Sailor/Dinghy Skippers main duties:
Assist On Shore Crew and will help to train some volunteers
Take sailors on the water.
Assist the sailors to gain the maximum from the experience. Depending on the sailor's abilities and requirements this will range from teaching the sailor to sail, or just to allowing the sailor to enjoy the sail.
If the sailor is learning to sail the skipper will sign off aspects of progression in the Sailability Program booklet
Skills
Teamwork
People Management
Good Organiser
Good verbal communication