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Over the Bridge Future Fishers

 

Thank you for volunteering. Our mission is to build confident, capable young anglers through mentorship, access, and stewardship on the Texas coast. Volunteers are role models. Safety and youth protection are non-negotiable.

 

1) Volunteer Code of Conduct

Youth-first behavior

I will treat every youth with respect, patience, and encouragement. I will use positive coaching. No bullying, humiliation, inappropriate language, or unsafe behavior.

 

Strict Two-Adult Rule (non-negotiable)

Over the Bridge Future Fishers enforces a strict Two-Adult Rule:

• I will never be alone with a youth participant.

• I will keep interactions visible and in group settings.

• If two-adult coverage cannot be maintained, I will pause or relocate the activity and notify staff.

 

Boundaries & communication

• I will not privately message, exchange personal contact info with, or meet with youth participants outside of OTBFF activities.

• I will not transport youth unless explicitly approved, documented, and consented by the parent/guardian through OTBFF.

 

Safety-first culture

I will follow all instructions from OTBFF staff and designated safety leads. I will report hazards immediately (lightning, dangerous surf, rip currents, slippery rocks, sharp structures, unsafe conditions).

 

Gear & tool safety

I will model safe handling of hooks, knives, and sharp tools. No horseplay with rods, hooks, knives, or any sharp objects. I will promote ethical fish handling and respect for wildlife.

 

Respect for the coast & community

I will follow local rules and respect access points (beaches, piers, jetties, banks, docks). I will support “leave it better than we found it.”

 

Social media & privacy

I will not post photos/videos of youth participants unless OTBFF confirms parent/guardian media permission and approves posting. I will not share real-time location information for youth activities.

 

No substances

I will not volunteer while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana/THC, illegal drugs, or impairing medications.

 

Reporting concerns

I will report immediately any injuries, safety issues, suspected abuse, harassment, or violations of this Code of Conduct.

 

Consequences

Violations may result in removal from activities, suspension, permanent removal, and law enforcement notification when appropriate.

 

2) Volunteer Release + Assumption of Risk (Texas)

Agreement

I voluntarily choose to participate as a volunteer with Over the Bridge Future Fishers (“OTBFF”). I understand volunteering may involve activities on or near water (including surf, bay, jetties, docks, piers, beaches, boats, and kayaks), handling fishing gear, and being outdoors in changing coastal conditions.

 

Assumption of Risk

I understand fishing and coastal outdoor activities involve inherent risks that may result in injury, illness, property damage, or death. These risks include, but are not limited to: slips and falls on wet surfaces; sharp hooks, knives, and tools; fish spines/bites; sun/heat exposure; dehydration; drowning; strong currents; surf and waves; lightning and severe weather; boat/kayak movement; and hazards associated with rocks, jetties, docks, piers, and shoreline structures.

I freely and voluntarily assume all such risks—known and unknown—to the fullest extent permitted by Texas law.

 

Safety Rules (Required)

I agree to follow all safety rules and instructions from OTBFF staff and designated safety leads.

PFDs (life jackets) are required at all times on/near water when applicable, including boating, kayaking, wading zones, jetties, docks, piers, and any area designated by staff due to conditions.

 

Release of Liability

In consideration for being allowed to volunteer, I hereby release, waive, and discharge Over the Bridge Future Fishers and its directors, officers, employees, agents, staff, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, partners, landowners, and affiliated entities (“Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, or liability of any kind arising from or related to my participation, to the fullest extent permitted by Texas law.

This includes claims arising from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties. This does not apply to gross negligence or intentional misconduct where not permitted by law.

 

Medical Responsibility & Authorization

I am responsible for my own medical insurance and medical costs. If I am injured or become ill, I authorize OTBFF to seek emergency medical assistance for me if staff believes it is necessary. I agree to be financially responsible for medical services provided.

 

Weather & Location Changes

I understand OTBFF may relocate, reschedule, shorten, or cancel activities due to weather, surf, tides, lightning risk, safety concerns, or other conditions.

 

Governing Law; Severability

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas. If any portion is found unenforceable, the remaining portions remain in full force to the extent permitted by law.

 

3) Boat / On-Water Volunteer Addendum (Applies when assigned)

If I am assigned to boat or on-water support roles, I agree:

• I will follow captain instructions and safety lead direction immediately.

• I will wear a PFD when required and enforce PFD rules for youth when applicable.

• I will not volunteer while impaired by any substance.

• I will move carefully on deck, secure gear, and keep walkways clear.

• I will report hazards immediately and help maintain a calm, safe environment.

 

4) Youth Leaders (16–17) — Special Rules

Youth Leaders support programs under adult supervision and are never treated as adult supervisors.

• Youth Leaders must follow the strict Two-Adult Rule and remain in visible group settings.

• Youth Leaders do not privately message participants, exchange contact info, meet participants outside OTBFF, or transport participants.

• A parent/guardian consent form is required for Youth Leaders ages 16–17.

 

5) Media Consent (Optional)

OTBFF sometimes captures photos/video during activities for promotions, website, social media, and print materials.

Volunteers may opt in or out on the form. Youth participant media permissions are handled separately through parent/guardian consent.