Embedded Files
Emergency Services Lifeguard Team
Jessie Feng
Charles Adi Uchendu
Get in touch with us at emergencyservices@hocr.org
Resources
maintaining athlete Safety on the water
maintaining athlete Safety on the water
Safety Launch (SL) 10, stationed at Cambridge Boat Club (CBC)
HOCR Lifeguard 101
HOCR Lifeguard 101
Lifeguard volunteers are responsible for ensuring and maintaining the scene and water safety from a safety launch (see image below) stationed along the river. Volunteers perform rescues as needed, proactively alert boats about obstacles, and make sure all boats pass through their field of view during the races.
Shifts are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the regatta from 6:00AM–6:00PM, starting and ending at the MIT Resch Boathouse.
Lifeguards who complete a full day shift are eligible for either a $100 honorarium or 12 community service hours per shift.
What's Provided
What's Provided
Exclusive Vineyard Vines volunteer vest
All safety equipment, including AEDs and lifeguard tubes
Lunch, snacks, and breakfast at the boathouse
Personal flotation devices (PFD)
The best views on the river to watch the regatta
Volunteer Requirements
Volunteer Requirements
Lifeguard volunteers must fulfill the following requirements:
Must be 16+
Hold a valid and current lifeguard certification from the American Red Cross, YMCA, or equivalent organization
Able and willing to be stationed on a safety launch for the entirety of the shift
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign up for another volunteer shift on the same day that I am a lifeguard? No—Lifeguarding shifts will take up the whole day.
What happens if I can’t make my shift anymore? While we expect you to honor your shift commitment, unexpected conflicts may arise. Contact Jessie and Charles as soon as possible. Failure to inform us of your absence beforehand may result in denied volunteer applications in the future.
Where and when do I get my premium? You will collect your premium the morning of your shift when you check-in for your shift at the Lifeguard table at MIT Boathouse. DO NOT pick up your premium in advance at the Volunteer tent unless you are volunteering with a different committee first. Due to limited supply, we cannot offer any trades for sizing, though you are welcome to trade with other volunteers. If you have already picked up a premium for a previous shift, we will not have a premium available for you.
What are the lifeguard compensation options? For each completed 12 hour shift you are eligible for $100 or 12 volunteer hours. Leaving early from your shift disqualifies you from receiving compensation. If you opt for the honorarium, the check will be mailed to the provided address in the months following the regatta—please provide an address whose mail you will be able to access in a few months.
What is the parking situation? Parking is very limited for volunteers—please carpool or take public transit if possible. Otherwise, parking passes may be available on a limited, first-come-first-serve basis. We cannot guarantee that there are any parking passes available on any given day. Note that most HOCR shuttles are not compatible with the lifeguard volunteer schedule.
Will there be bathroom breaks? During your shift, each safety launch can request bathroom breaks (“bio breaks”) as needed. However, there may be delays and waits depending on the race schedule, the requests of other SLs, or other circumstances.
What happens in the event of inclement weather? You are still expected to honor your commitment despite inclement weather, unless the race is postponed or canceled (if that’s the case, you will be notified as soon as we know). It is imperative that you are well prepared for any kind of weather—pack smart! Do not rely on the premium to keep you warm and/or dry.
Volunteer Application Process
Volunteer Application Process
Apply for the shifts for which you want to volunteer; check out the HOCR website for volunteer registration dates and opportunities.
Once we receive your application, we will reach out with a form through which you will submit your valid and current lifeguard certification. Please note: applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis depending on timely submission of your certification. You will receive an email from RegattaCentral once your shift has been accepted.
We will reach out to all accepted volunteers in early October with more details. We look forward to volunteering with you!
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