Trail Watch Patrol volunteers are a vital link between the park and the public. We rely on these volunteers to patrol our parks and relay important information back to park staff. Trail Watchers demonstrate proper trail use and interact with park visitors to provide information and answer questions. They help identify hazards, violations, wildlife sightings and visitor behavior, and report these to Park Rangers. Volunteers will be trained in first aid/CPR to administer basic first aid and activate emergency response as needed.
There are several patrol methods: on foot, on bike, on horseback and on motorcycle. Equestrians and motorcycle riders must pass an additional skills test.
Before volunteers can be placed, they must attend two trainings offered two to three times a year. For upcoming training dates, select one of the two trainings below.
1. Trail Watch Academy is a 4 hour orientation to County Parks and the Trail Watch Program, policies and procedures, patrol techniques, radio use and practice.
2. First Aid/CPR Certification is a 6.5 hour training on adult and pediatric first aid, CPR and AED provided at no cost by the American Red Cross. This training is waived with proof of current certification.
Trail Watch volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and willing to commit to patrolling a minimum of four hours per month.
For more information, please contact the Volunteer Program at 408-918-4930 or volunteer@prk.sccgov.org.