Join Surfrider Santa Cruz’s Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) to help monitor water quality, protect our oceans, and ensure clean, safe beaches.
The Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) is Surfrider's water quality monitoring program, designed to help protect public health, preserve our beaches, and safeguard the environment. As a BWTF Volunteer, you’ll be part of a critical initiative to monitor local water quality at Santa Cruz’s beaches and ocean. This is your opportunity to make a direct impact on ocean conservation and public health in your community.
By participating in the BWTF, you’ll gain hands-on experience, deepen your understanding of water quality issues, and help prevent harmful bacteria from affecting our local waters. You’ll work alongside passionate volunteers and staff who share your commitment to protecting our ocean.
Make an Impact: Directly contribute to ensuring the safety and health of local beaches by identifying and addressing water quality issues.
Gain Valuable Experience: Develop skills in water quality testing, environmental science, and community advocacy.
Learn About Local Waterways: Get up close with the ecosystems of the Santa Cruz coastlines and understand the key factors affecting water health.
Join a Community of Advocates: Be part of a network of like-minded individuals working together for ocean and beach conservation.
Help Protect Public Health: Your efforts ensure that surfers, swimmers, and families can enjoy the beach safely.
Support Surfrider’s Mission: Every sample you take and every report you submit helps further Surfrider’s commitment to clean water, healthy oceans, and accessible coastlines.
There are several ways you can get involved with the Blue Water Task Force (BWTF). Whether you want to get out on the beaches, work behind the scenes in the lab, or help coordinate efforts, there’s a role for you. Check out the descriptions below for each volunteer position:
As a BWTF Water Sampler, you'll play an essential role in protecting public health and the environment by collecting water samples from designated beach and coastal sites and delivering them to our testing lab near the Santa Cruz Harbor.
Your efforts will directly contribute to identifying potential pollution issues, promoting clean water, and ensuring the safety of our local waterways.
We’re seeking dedicated volunteers who can commit to sampling regularly, helping us gather reliable data to keep the community informed and safe.
Responsibilities:
Time Commitment:
As a BWTF Lab Analyst, you’ll assist with analyzing water samples collected from local beaches and coastal sites. Working in our lab near the Santa Cruz Harbor, you’ll follow established procedures to test for water quality indicators and help identify potential pollution risks.
Your work will be critical in providing accurate, timely data that informs the community about water safety and supports efforts to protect the environment and public health.
We’re seeking dedicated volunteers who can commit to regular shifts, ensuring consistent and reliable testing to monitor and safeguard our local waterways. No experience required. Training provided.
Responsibilities:
As the BWTF Coordinator, you'll play an essential role in protecting public health and the environment by coordinating the local water quality testing program that collects water samples from designated beach and coastal sites and delivering them to our testing lab near the Santa Cruz Harbor.
Your efforts will directly contribute to identifying potential pollution issues, promoting clean water, and ensuring the safety of our local waterways. Click here for the Program Coordinator Handbook.
Responsibilities:
Note: We already have a BWTF Coordinator, but can always use extra help. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to learn more.
Free BWTF Training: Get trained on water quality testing methods, the science behind pollution, and the impact of water conditions on public health.
Community Engagement: Be part of the community’s efforts to keep local beaches safe for everyone.
Surfrider Events: Gain access to special Surfrider events, including cleanups, educational workshops, and social gatherings.
Hands-On Environmental Work: Gain practical experience in fieldwork and contribute to meaningful, real-world environmental projects.
Support a Critical Cause: By volunteering with the BWTF, you’ll be advocating for cleaner oceans and healthier beaches, making a positive impact on your local community.
Sign up today: Answer a few quick questions about who you are and your experience (don't worry if you don't have any).
Attend an orientation: Get trained in water quality testing and Surfrider’s BWTF program.
Commit to Regular Actions: Participate in regular volunteer activity to keep the momentum going.
Start Sampling, Analyzing, or Coordinating: Choose your role and begin contributing to the health of our beaches and waters.
Engage with the Community: Help spread awareness and encourage others to get involved.