A new volunteer opportunity for those wishing to assist at Navarre Beach and the oil spill response is now available. Shoreline Users Resource Force, or SURF volunteers, will be stationed on Navarre Beach to help with oil reconnaissance by watching and reporting changing beach conditions.  Volunteers will also provide information and answer questions from beach visitors and residents about beach and water safety, coastal habitats, wildlife, clean-up response, beach conditions, seafood safety and the Navarre Beach “Leave No Trace Behind” ordinance. Due to the complex nature of oil cleanup, coupled with health and safety concerns, volunteers are not allowed to participate in clean up activities.

Teams of volunteers will be stationed at public beach access walkovers, Navarre Beach Park and the pier for three hour shifts from 9 a.m. to noon, noon to 3 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. A three hour training course is required for all volunteers. The first courses will be offered at the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station located in Navarre Beach Park at 8638 Blue Heron Court on Thursday, July 8, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., and Friday, July 9 from 9 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.

To register for the training courses, contact Santa Rosa County Help Thy Neighbor Volunteer Center at (850) 983-5223 or brsvpsantarosa@mchsi.com.  For more information contact Chris Verlinde at (850) 623-3868 or chrismv@ufl.edu