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MDSA VOLUNTEER GUIDES

In an effort to maintain good relations with the park and the "non-member public," MDSA Volunteer Guides are asked to spend a 2-hour shift between the hours of 10 AM and 6 PM at the MDSA beach on Saturdays, Sundays, July 4th and Labor Day. (Click here for the Volunteer Guide Schedule.) These are the park's busiest times when it helps to have someone available to explain why non-members may not swim in the MDSA area.

We explain that we are MDSA and have an agreement with the NY State Park Commission allowing us to swim there; that anyone of age able to pass the test, complete our paper work, and pay a minimal dues is able to join MDSA.
Explain why non-members are not allowed to swim at the MDSA beach: no lifeguard, deep water, snakes, the need for buddies, and, importantly, insurance! Tell them that they MAY swim over at the public beach when a lifeguard is present.
Hand out our brochure and sheet with test dates/times (kept at the beach locker and on the bulletin board).
Be friendly. Usually the non-members we are talking to are hot and disappointed that they are not permitted to swim in our area.
When necessary, diplomatically tell them that they may be ticketed and the fines have been hefty.
When all else fails, do nothing. They have been warned and obviously are people who would have gone swimming whether or not the MDSA existed.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to be an MDSA guide,
please contact Anita Gehrke at anitalg26@aol.com.

MDSA, PO Box 233, New Paltz, NY 12561..... tel(845) 895-5012
e-mail: info@minnewaskaswimmers.org