California’s Dockwalker Program Celebrates 25 Years: Join Free Training Sessions and Help Protect Waterways
Dockwalkers share environmental education materials with boaters. Photos from California State Parks.
SACRAMENTO – California State Parks,, the California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program, and The Bay Foundation invite the public to participate in California’s Dockwalker Program, now in its 25th year. Free virtual and in-person training sessions will be held from mid-March through May 2025. By joining the program and attending the training, participants provide a critical community service by sharing educational tools to promote clean boating and help reduce water quality impacts.
What Are Dockwalkers?
Dockwalkers help raise awareness about important boating practices related to curbing pollutants such as oil, fuel, sewage, trash, and marine debris through the distribution of educational materials, such as the California Boater Kits, at marinas, boat launch ramps and boating events, or anywhere where boaters are.
Why Are Dockwalkers Important?
California has one of the highest levels of recreational boating activity in the nation. With approximately 4 million boaters, even a small amount of pollution per vessel can cause serious harm to waterways and marine life. Since 2000, more than 1,300 Dockwalkers have shared clean boating practices with 130,000 boaters across the state.
“Dockwalkers make up an incredible statewide force that effectively interact with recreational boaters through face-to-face education about clean boating practices,” said California State Parks and the Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program Manager Vivian Matuk. “This method of communication and the distribution of educational Boater Kits have proved to be powerful means to keep California’s waterways clean. The kit and its components are specifically designed to prompt boaters to take action and implement at least one of the program’s recommended best management practices.” Boaters receive a Boater Kit after completing and signing a questionnaire and pledge to adopt clean practices. Questionnaires help to improve future education efforts in the Dockwalker program and to identify where boaters live who have received clean boating information from partner Dockwalkers and staff. Dockwalkers are appreciative of the dynamic program and their ability to bring an effective pollution-prevention strategy into their own communities.
Who Can Become a Dockwalker?
Anyone age 15 and older, with an interest in water quality and promoting clean boating practices, can become a Dockwalker – no matter your background. Hear firsthand from Dockwalkers about their experiences.
Marinas and yacht clubs are encouraged to participate in the Dockwalker program. Participating facilities receive educational materials and tools to operate a clean boating facility and minimize water quality impacts. This program provides marinas with points towards the Clean Marine designation and participation in the Dockwalker program counts towards the nomination of the Club of the Year under the community service category. Yacht clubs and marinas are essential in spreading awareness directly to boaters.
Safety organizations such as the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Power Squadrons also benefit from the Dockwalker program as it supports their current efforts and enhances and broadens their boating safety mission.
If you are a boater, this program is designed for you. Boaters are responsible and want to safeguard waterways for future generations to enjoy. Engage fellow recreators, build community, and make a difference. Many Dockwalkers are boaters themselves, thus the program boasts that it exerts a bit of “pier pressure.”
The success of the Dockwalker program is made possible through partnerships with organizations like The Bay Foundation (Division of Boating and Waterways Clean Vessel Act Program grantee), the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, Save Our Shores, Lake Berryessa Watershed Partnership, California Conservation Corps, and numerous marinas and yacht clubs across California.
Join us in celebrating 25 years of clean boating advocacy and contribute to a cleaner, safer, environment for all.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.