The 2018 scheme has now been completed.

Information about the 2019 volunteer scheme will be advertised on this page from the end of February 2019.

About the scheme

Our volunteer scheme is a fun way to develop your skills both on and off the water, meet new friends, and learn about working in a busy watersports centre.

Through on the job experience, as well as specific training sessions, you will develop your watersports skills – these are likely to include sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and canoeing. You may also get the opportunity to work off site to broaden your experience.

Over the course of the program you will learn how to work as a team to plan and deliver activity sessions to a group of children – culminating in the chance to try out your new skills under the supervision of a senior instructor in your final week.

You will be given weekly feedback reviews, designed to give you clear indications of your performance, and achievable goals to strive for. The personal development and confidence gained from the scheme will stand you in great stead to begin your journey to becoming an instructor, as well as other walks of life. This is a great introduction to the feedback process which forms part of the following years Assistant Instructors Course. Successful candidates will be able to earn their place on this course; if we feel you have room for improvement before the course starts we shall feedback this to you during your weekly reviews. It is also possible to purchase a place on the Assistant Instructors Course, this is usually run during the Easter holidays.

Having previous watersports experience is a bonus, but don't worry if you haven't done much before – hard work and enthusiasm is far more important.

Volunteers must commit to the watersports centre for a minimum of four full weeks within the same year, April - October (Monday-Friday, unless it is a bank holiday week) during the school half terms and summer break.

Some testimonials from some of our past volunteers can be found in this information booklet.

Prerequisites

• Must be 15 years old by start date
• Provide us with a minimum 4 full weeks of volunteering within the same year, April - October (Monday-Friday, excluding bank holidays) this is non-negotiable.
  
  The dates we are running our courses are usually:
• two/three weeks in Easter
• one week in Whitsun
• eight weeks in Summer
• two weeks in October
  
  We would advise wherever possible attending the summer dates, as these are our busiest, therefore most potential for experience. It is also helpful for continuity to complete weeks at least in pairs, if not all four in a row.
• pay a one-off online administration fee which is non–refundable (regardless whether you attend or not).
• provide a recent passport-sized photo by the first day of volunteering.

What to bring

• Packed lunch
• Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear
• Plenty of changes of clothes - this is a watersports centre so it is highly likely you will get wet
• Enthusiasm and a willingness to work with children, and to adapt to different situations. This is not an easy course, but you will learn a lot and have fun doing so.
  

Contact us

Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre
Home Park Road
SW19 7HX

Telephone: 020 8947 4894
Email: wimbledonpark@merton.gov.uk