Vision: Enrich lives through volunteering
Mission: Connect people and transform communities

Tramping & Swimming Support Buddy - Thames

Thames
Organisation:
Blind Low Vision NZ
Category:
Sports
Hours:
Both/Flexible

Volunteer Opportunity in Thames – Support an Athlete with Vision Loss!
This is your opportunity to learn as well as guide—gaining new skills while helping someone maintain the independence they’ve always known.
Blind Low Vision NZ is looking for a kind and active volunteer (or volunteers!) to support one of our members in staying physically active.

About Our Member:

  • A capable and experienced athlete who has participated in various recreational sports for years—mostly independently.
  • As her vision decreases, she’s seeking a local volunteer to help her continue enjoying the activities she loves.

How You Can Help:

  • Support her with day tramps and/or regular pool swimming.
  • Be willing to share your tramping and/or swimming time with her.
  • Learn guiding techniques for navigating uneven terrain and tethered guiding in the pool (training provided!).

Who We're Looking For:

  • Someone reasonably fit and active.
  • Keen to learn and comfortable in outdoor and water-based settings.

If you’d love to make a difference while enjoying the great outdoors or the pool, we’d love to hear from you!
All training will be provided—join us in keeping an inspiring athlete moving and thriving!

Requirements:
  • Physically active – Comfortable with tramping on uneven terrain and/or swimming.
  • Willing to learn – Open to training in guiding techniques for both hiking and tethered swimming.
  • Reliable and patient – Able to provide consistent support while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Comfortable outdoors and in water – Confident in natural environments and swimming pools.
  • Good communicator – Able to follow and give clear instructions to support the athlete’s movement.
  • Located in Thames or nearby – Available for regular meet-ups for tramping or swimming sessions.

A Police background check is required for this role.

Time commitment:
  • Flexible and based on mutual availability.
  • Ideally, regular meet-ups for tramping and/or swimming (e.g., weekly or fortnightly).
  • Each session may range from 1–3 hours, depending on the activity.
  • A longer-term commitment is preferred to build trust and consistency.

Getting started:
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.

Ref: 2939

Apply for this role:

Address: *

Demographic information:
Used anonymously for statistics to demonstrate our impact to funders.
Other information (optional):
In applying for this position I confirm that I have read the requirements of the position and believe I have the skills and attributes required to carry out this role safely and effectively.
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