Our Patrol Groups

The Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol comprises five patrol groups -- the Volunteer Mounted Patrol, the Volunteer Bicycle Patrol, the Volunteer Hiking Patrol, the Companion Dog Patrol, and the Volunteer Marine Safety Unit -- and an associated Search and Rescue unit. You can learn more about us on this page and by following the links in the following paragraphs.

The Volunteer Mounted Patrol consists of volunteer members and their horses. The horses and riders must pass certification tests to demonstrate their ability to perform their patrol duties safely and effectively. This patrol enables equestrians who enjoy the lands and trails in the East Bay Regional Park District to perform a valuable service while riding.

The Volunteer Bicycle Patrol consists of volunteer members who patrol trails on their bicycles. Bicyclists must demonstrate their ability to handle their bikes safely in order to be accepted as patrollers. Members of this patrol are especially encouraged to meet and communicate with other cyclists using District trails.

The Volunteer Hiking Patrol consists of volunteers who enjoy walking, hiking, and running on the trails in the District. Members must demonstrate their ability to sustain a reasonable walking speed for a period of time.

The Companion Dog Patrol consists of volunteer members and their companion dogs. The dogs and their handlers must pass certification tests to demonstrate their ability to perform their patrol duties safely and effectively. Members of this patrol are especially encouraged to meet and communicate with other dog owners using District parks and trails.

The Volunteer Marine Safety Unit consists of volunteer members who patrol District waters in their boats. Members must meet certain certification requirements.

The members of the Search and Rescue (SAR) unit participate in this group in addition to one of the five patrol groups listed above. This unit's responsibilities include searching for missing persons, assisting in the rescue of injured persons, and preserving the integrity of accident or crime evidence.