“Trade the Daily Grind for the River Life: Join The Boating Association Volunteer Team.”

Your Career Might Be Behind You, But Your Expertise is Needed More Than Ever In Front Of You – You’ve spent decades solving problems, managing projects, balancing books, talking to people, or fixing things. Why let those skills go to waste?

At The Boating Association, we don’t just look for muscle—we look for minds. Whether you’re a retired accountant, a former teacher, an administrator, a logistics whiz, or a lifelong tinkerer, your life skills can help keep our waterways running. We match you to a committee or community role that fits your lifestyle, your pace, and your talents. Make new friends, share your wisdom, and ensure our rivers have a bright future.

Fresh Air, Good Company, and a Tangible Difference Fancy a day out by the water with a purpose? Our outdoor maintenance crews aren’t about endless toil—they’re about enjoying our stunning navigations, working as a team, and taking a break for a brew and a chat.

Whether we’re touching up paint on a navigation marker, clearing a scenic stretch of foliage, or ensuring safety signs stand proud, these days are deeply satisfying. You get to see the fruits of your labour immediately, enjoy the great outdoors, and be part of a welcoming crew of fellow boating enthusiasts.

Track 1: The River Guardians (Outdoor & Practical)

• The Vibe: Fresh air, camaraderie, light-to-moderate physical activity, and immediate visual results.
• What you do: Help us service navigation markers so boaters stay safe, give community structures a fresh coat of paint, or team up for seasonal foliage-clearing walks along the towpaths.
• The Perks: Working outdoors in beautiful British landscapes, a brilliant team atmosphere, and plenty of tea breaks. No heavy construction required—just willing hands and a love for the waterways.

Track 2: The Steering Committee (Skills-Based & Strategic)

• The Vibe: Intellectual contribution, flexible commitment, utilizing a lifetime of professional or organizational experience.
• What you do: We match you to a committee role based on your background. Are you great at organizing events? Do you have an eye for detail (secretary/admin)? Can you help us liaise with authorities or manage communications?
• The Perks: Shape the future of local boating, join a passionate leadership group, and make a high-impact contribution from the comfort of your home or meetings.

Navigation Care Team

The Adventure Doesn’t Stop When the Season Ends

While the rivers and canals quiet down for the winter, our crew stays active—exploring the network, tackling essential maintenance, and ensuring everything is primed and ready for the next wave of boating.

The off-season is the perfect time to join our ranks. It’s a brilliant way to protect the waterways you love, support fellow boaters, and become part of a close-knit, welcoming team.

Not a boater? No problem at all! If you simply love the great outdoors, enjoy walking our scenic canal towpaths and river banks, and want to help keep them looking their best, we’d love to hear from you.

TBA BSS Officer

Boat Safety Scheme to become a stand-alone company. Boat safety advisory committee will become the BSS advisory forum. As reviewed and defined in a BSS meeting attended by Ray Rogers on behalf of TBA.

Ray Rogers will be stepping down from position of BSS officer in 2026.

We are looking for a volunteer preferably with engineering knowledge to represent the TBA at these meetings once a quarter, mileage expenses will be covered by the Assoc.

If you are interested please email the chairman@theboatingassociation.co.uk

TBA – Membership Secretary

We require a Membership Secretary to focus on attracting members, promoting members benefits and member retention.

If you are interested please email the chairman@theboatingassociation.co.uk