VOLUNTEERING

What does a volunteer do?

The helping hands behind every outing

As a volunteer with Sailing Together for Smiles you help out on land, from the moment the kids arrive at the park until they head home. Volunteers don't go out on the boats; HYDROFUN's crew handles all the sailing. Your job is to make sure every child feels safe, included and happy while they're on shore.

The organizations that bring the kids send their own volunteers, who know each child's needs. What HYDROFUN needs is help on land: welcoming families, fitting life jackets properly, filling out forms and staying with the group for the whole outing.

Step by step

Volunteer in 4 easy steps

1

Sign up

Fill out the volunteer form or message us on WhatsApp with your availability.

2

We'll get in touch

We check your details and confirm the date, meeting point and your role.

3

Quick orientation

On the day of the outing, you'll get a quick briefing on safety and inclusion.

4

Enjoy the experience

You help on land: welcoming families, life jackets, forms, snacks and walking the kids to the dock. You make the smiles happen!

Requirements

What you need to join

No experience needed. We'll be with you every step of the way. All we ask is:

  • Be 18 or older (or come with a parent or legal guardian).
  • An empathetic, patient and respectful attitude toward children with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory disabilities and kids from low-income families.
  • Availability for at least one outing (half a day).
  • Commitment to following safety instructions and treating everyone inclusively.
  • You don't need to know how to swim or have any experience on the water: volunteering is on land only.
  • A willingness to work as a team and keep the mood positive.
PHOTO: volunteers with the kids on the dock
How can I help?

Volunteer roles

Welcome & Check-in

Greet families, show them around and help them check in for the outing.

Life Jackets & Forms

Make sure life jackets are fitted correctly and help fill out forms before each ride.

Dock Escort

Walk the kids to the dock when they head out and meet them when they come back. HYDROFUN's crew handles boarding and sailing.

Shoreline Safety

Keep an eye out so no child goes near the water without a parent or guardian.

Snacks & Logistics

Take the kids to the snack area, help hand out snacks and keep activities running smoothly.

Photos & Video

Take photos and videos that keep the program transparent and help spread the word.

Games & Fun

Play games and run activities with the kids so they have an unforgettable day.

Coordination

If you have experience, help coordinate groups and keep the outing on schedule.

Why volunteer

What you get out of it

Real impact

You're directly part of an experience that changes a family's day.

Volunteer certificate

You'll receive a certificate for your volunteer work with HYDROFUN.

A unique experience

See a day of eco-friendly sailing on Lake Ilopango up close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you sign up

Does it cost anything to volunteer?
No. Volunteering is completely free and non-profit. All you give is your time and goodwill.
Do I need experience working with people with physical, mental, intellectual or sensory disabilities?
It's not required. We'll give you a quick orientation, and the HYDROFUN team will be with you the whole time.
How long does an outing last?
Usually half a day. When we confirm your date, we'll tell you the schedule and meeting point. For now, all program outings take place at Parque Apulo – El Faro.
Can companies or groups take part?
Yes. Churches, schools, universities, districts, city halls, NGOs and public or private companies can join as partners or through corporate volunteering. Get in touch and we'll set it up.
Do volunteers go out on the boats?
No. Volunteering is on land only. You can walk the kids to the dock when they leave and meet them when they return, but you won't board the boat: sailing is handled by HYDROFUN's trained crew.

Ready to make some smiles?

Sign up as a volunteer and we'll reach out about the next program outing.

Safety guidelines – Jet Boat & Duffy boats

      • *The Jet Boat performs some extreme maneuvers, so it's not recommended for people with back problems, anyone who is or might be pregnant, children under 7, people who can't hold on with their own arms, or anyone with a physical condition that could make the ride unsafe for them.
      • *Jet Boat riders should bring a towel and a change of clothes for after the ride.
      • *Jet Boat riders must be at least 7 years old and 1.10 m (3 ft 7 in) tall, and strong enough to hold on through the extreme maneuvers.
      • We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance. If you need to cancel, please let us know at least 12 business hours ahead.
      • HYDROFUN is not responsible for any consequences of not following these guidelines.

We plan and decorate all kinds of events on our boats. Just give us a call and we'll take care of everything.

      1. I love You
      2. Marry Me
      3. Will You Be My Girlfriend?
      4. Be my Girlfriend
      5. Be my Boyfriend
      6. Happy Birthday
      7. Happy Anniversary
      8. Baby Shower-Gender Reveal
      9. Graduations
      10. Bride to Be
      11. Team Bride
      12. Groom to Be
      13. Team Groom
      14. RELAX
      15. Just Because
      16. Thanksgiving
      17. Halloween
      18. I’m a new Mommy
      19. I’m a new Daddy
      20. Happy Holidays
      21. All Kinds of Corporate Events

JET CYCLONE hours:

      • Monday to Sunday, groups under 8 people (4 minimum): 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
      • Monday to Sunday, groups of more than 8 people: any time from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Duffy boat hours (RELAX cruises):

      • Monday–Tuesday: group bookings of 8+ only
      • Wednesday–Sunday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm