Volunteer

Seal Sitters operates thanks to an incredible network of volunteers who dedicate their time to protecting marine mammals on West Seattle's beaches. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

A group of Seal Sitters volunteers at a booth at Alki Art Fair

Seal Sitters volunteers at the Alki Art Fair

Photo credit: Lynn Shimamoto | Banner image: Robin Lindsey

Our mission

Our goal is to provide a quiet, safe environment for marine mammals to rest undisturbed on shore.

Seal Sitters volunteers protect seal pups and other marine mammals, providing a public service by educating the public about marine life and our fragile marine ecosystem.

Seal Sitters volunteer holds up a baby to view a seal through a telescope

Photo credits: Jeffrey Kurtz

Seal Sitters first responder vest

Volunteer Roles

There are many ways to get involved and help protect local marine life. Each role is vital to Seal Sitters’ mission of protecting marine mammals and educating our community:

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Hotline Operators

On the “front lines”, our Hotline Operators answer calls from the public, handling questions, assessing situations, and dispatching First Responders when marine mammals need help on West Seattle beaches.

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Schedulers

The Scheduler rotates each day, and is responsible for calling Beach Volunteers if and when there is an animal that needs protection, coordinating volunteer coverage as needed.

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First Responders

First Responders are responsible for responding to beach reports, conducting on-site assessment of animals, setting up protective perimeters, documenting details for deceased animals, and coordinating with volunteers and partners as needed.

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Beach Volunteers

Beach Volunteers staff protective perimeters around resting marine mammals, answer questions, educate beachgoers, and put a welcoming face to stewardship in action.

  • "Meeting neighbors and visitors, educating beach goers about the seal life cycle, helping a seal pup rest on our beaches [is the most rewarding]."

    — Karen, Volunteer

  • "I value the fact that volunteers like me can help to protect vulnerable animals!"

    — Anonymous Volunteer

  • “What I find most rewarding is teaching people about our local wildlife, and also getting to see the animals up close."

    — Elizabeth, Volunteer

  • "I value that Seal Sitters helps other people share the joy of marine mammals in our area safely."

    — Anonymous Volunteer

  • "I enjoy educating the public, particularly curious children, about the lives and behaviors of marine mammals. It's exciting to see the kids' enthusiasm."

    — Shelly, Volunteer

  • "Seal Sitters helps us coexist peacefully with wildlife."

    — Anonymous Volunteer

Get Involved

Seal Sitters welcomes dedicated people to become volunteers to protect marine mammals along West Seattle's shoreline.

A volunteer smiles on the beach, wearing binoculars and a Seal Sitters vest

Photo credit: Robin Lindsey

To volunteer:

  • Email us with any questions or to be added to our waiting list for the next training

  • Or, fill out the Volunteer Interest form:

Training:

All potential volunteers must attend training to learn basic information about harbor seals and marine mammals, beach protection protocols, and skills for engaging with the public.


Trainings are typically held each spring before our busy season.

Beach Volunteer
Responsibilities

  • Maintain safe boundaries to protect both marine mammals and the public

  • Keep dogs away at all times

  • Educate the public using provided training and outreach materials

  • Follow Seal Sitters, NOAA, and Seattle Parks guidelines

Ways to get involved:

A group of volunteers watches a seal on the beach
A group of volunteers hovers over a harbor porpoise on the beach
harbor seal pup on the beach