The DC Dragon Boat Festival is run entirely by dedicated volunteers. We welcome anyone who is interested in volunteering.

You can join as part of the planning committees or as a race day volunteer. If you are interested in helping out but do not see anything that interests you, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to discuss how you could contribute.

Description for the various teams for Race Day Volunteers:

PARKING TEAM

1. Block out reserved parking spaces (44) for the Festival staff and authorized individuals with assigned parking passes;
2. Check for assigned parking passes of vehicles entering the reserved parking spaces;
3. Report parking issues to Volunteer Team Leader (Rosa) and/or Park Ranger

SAFETY TEAM

1. Wear special reflective vest and other identification;
2. Patrol loading dock and boat ramp to remove unauthorized individuals
3. Patrol team area to ensure general order and compliance with Festival rules

REGISTRATION TEAM

1. Assist with team check-in, roster change, replacement of name cards;
2. Assist with distributing goodie bags;
3. Assist with lost and found
4. Assist with lost persons announcement.

PADDLER MARSHALLING

1. Line up teams in pre-race marshalling area;
2. Check IDs and verify team members against official rosters;
3. Check team composition to verify MIXED and or YOUTH status;
4. Lead race teams from marshalling area to the boat loading ramp.

DOCK CREW:

1. Setup dragon heads and tails before each race day;
2. Take down dragon heads and tails after each race day;
3. Move boats into floating dock position for loading paddlers before each race;
4. Move boats into floating dock position for unloading paddlers after each race;
5. Ensure all on-the-water boat crews (drummer, paddlers, and steerers) are wearing PFDs.

FIRST AID:

1. Respond to medical (injury or sudden illness) issues;
2. Provide on-site triage to determine course of action;
3. Provide basic first aid for simple and common injury or heat-related illness;
4. Contact 911 for Medical Emergency in the events of more serious or life-threating injury or heat-related illnesses.

1. Assist in collecting water bottles, etc for Recycling
2. Assist in posting race results
3. Assist in setup and running Cultural Activities

If you are interested in volunteering, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with the following information:

1. Name
2. E-mail
3. Phone Number (optional if e-mail is supplied but mandatory if no e-mail)
4. Preferred volunteer position
5. Availability on either May 16th or 17th or both days.
6. Available times on either or both days