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Aquatic Volunteer Instructors

Volunteering with LDWF’s Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program is a great opportunity for anyone interested in sharing their passion for Louisiana’s aquatic resources.

Whether you want to hold your own fishing event, incorporate fisheries science into your classroom, or even assist LDWF at our events, Aquatic VIP will help you prepare. We train aquatic volunteer instructors through a hands-on workshop on topics including knot tying, basic tackle, casting techniques, fish identification, fish anatomy, invasive species, fisheries management, and fishing safety. All workshop participants will have access to activity guides, lesson plans, and other educational resources. (See Upcoming Workshops below.)

As an aquatic volunteer instructor, you will play a critical role in helping LDWF promote fishing and aquatic education in Louisiana. Even if you aren’t a highly experienced angler, you can attend one of our workshops where you’ll learn how to teach about fishing and fisheries science.

 

contact
 
General information: Erin Olson at eolson@wlf.la.gov or 504.286.4165

Educator Contact: Lindsay Seely at lseely@wlf.la.gov or 225.765.2375

 

How to Become an Aquatic Volunteer Instructor

Complete the online volunteer application and mark which workshop you’d like to attend. We’ll contact you with more information after we have reviewed your application. Please note that all applicants must pass a criminal background check after completing the workshop.

Upcoming Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Workshops

March 27, 2024 –Educator’s Workshop in Minden

April 4, 2024 –Educator’s Workshop in New Orleans

April 11, 2024 – General Public Workshop in Hammond

April 16, 2024 – General Public Workshop in Pineville

If you have a group of 10 or more people who would like to be trained, then we can come to you! Please email eolson@wlf.la.gov to set up a training date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any requirements for becoming an aquatic volunteer instructor?

You must be at least 18 years old, attend one Aquatic VIP workshop, and pass the test at the end of the workshop. We will run a background check after you complete the workshop to check for any major offenses. You must participate in at least one aquatic education program within two years of completing the Aquatic VIP workshop. 

I can’t make any of the upcoming Aquatic VIP workshops. Can I still be trained?

If you are unable to make any of the scheduled workshops, you might still be in luck. We can come to you for a pop-up workshop if you have a group of 10 or more interested people. Alternatively, if we’re holding a pop-up workshop like this near you, we can contact you to let you know about it. You’ll need to apply online to receive notification of pop-up workshops.

What do I need to bring with me to the workshop?

Just an eagerness to learn! We’ll provide snacks, lunch, and drinks for the day.

What can I expect from the workshop?

Each workshop covers the following hands-on activities: knot tying, basic tackle, casting techniques, fish identification, fish anatomy, invasive species, fisheries management, fishing safety, and more. Each participant will access to activity guides, lesson plans, and other educational resources.

What are the loaner kits you offer the volunteers to use?

One of the perks of Aquatic VIP is that certified instructors have access to our loaner kits—we’ll provide the materials needed to teach different activities. For example, we’ll provide rods and reels with basic tackle for fishing station or the paint, paper, and rubber fish for a fish prints station. Don’t let the lack of resources stop you from teaching others about fish!