Ride a Wave :: Learn :: Commitment to Safety

Commitment to Safety

Safety is Ride a Wave's top priority. Founded by a firefighter, paramedic, former champion tandem surfer and lifeguard, safety is built into Ride a Wave's DNA. Serving over 2,500 kids with special needs, the organization has had ZERO beach injuries since its inception in 1998. Safety is addressed at all levels:

[Ride a Wave Safety Staff]

Safety Staff
A minimum of 1 lifeguard is on staff for all events with radio contact to emergency services. A minimum of 1 Paramedic and an average of 4 EMTs are on staff for all events with radio contact to emergency services. All volunteers must attend an orientation and beach or water training before being certified to participate in any event for that season.
Beach Safety
Each participant is paired with a Beach Buddy volunteer who ensures that the child’s needs are met for the entire day. The volunteer also makes sure that information regarding any special condition is passed along when the child partakes in any activity.
Water Safety
No child is allowed in the water without a wetsuit, life vest and helmet. When Boogie boarding, each child is paired with a RAW volunteer who helps the child catch the wave and holds on to the participant’s life vest the entire time. When surfing the participant is paired with an expert tandem surfer. They are escorted by 4 surfers on rescue boards, two on each side, who paddle or surf on their knees next to the pair to ensure that the participating child is safe at all times.

Helping is a lot of fun as well! There are plenty of ways in which you can volunteer your time.