Chicago River Swim Volunteer Registration

Packet Pick-Up Medium Priority

You must be 18-99 years old to volunteer for this task.

September 19, 2025

12:30 pm CDT - 5:30 pm CDT (Minimum met, 2 spots remaining)

September 20, 2025

10:30 am CDT - 3:30 pm CDT (Minimum met, 3 spots remaining)

Details

Tasks include greeting participants, assisting with equipment pick-up, and shirt/goody bag distribution. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Westin River North: 320 N. Dearborn St, Chicago

Gear Check / Robes Medium Priority

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You must be 18-99 years old to volunteer for this task.

September 21, 2025

5:00 am CDT - 11:00 am CDT (At least 5 more needed)

Details

Athletes will drop off their gear and swim robes in the Athlete Venue, where you will help label and organize their bags for easy pick-up. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Athlete Services Volunteer Medium Priority

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You must be 18-99 years old to volunteer for this task.

September 21, 2025

5:00 am CDT - 11:00 am CDT (Minimum met, 1 spot remaining)

Details

Assist the event team with corralling participants, distributing equipment, food and other items, and provide general event support. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Lifeguard Support High Priority

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You must be 18-99 years old to volunteer for this task.

September 21, 2025

5:30 am CDT - 9:30 am CDT (At least 38 more needed)

Details

The event will be supported by dozens of local lifeguards stationed across the Riverwalk, on Safety Boats, and atop Stand Up Paddle boards (SUPs). Note this is a PAID role with a $125 stipend. Applicants must be certified and have an active Red Cross, American Lifeguard Association license or similar qualifying agency. Deep Water training is preferred.

Please apply for this post by filling-out the required questionnaire. We will follow-up with you individually to confirm experience and ability. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance and informed of next steps.

All contracted lifeguards must view a mandatory, 30-minute safety briefing webinar on Wednesday, September 17 at 4:00 PM CDT (it will be recorded for those unable to attend). T-shirts, rescue tubes, radios, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Kayak Support (in-water) High Priority

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You must be 18-99 years old to volunteer for this task.

September 21, 2025

5:00 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT (Full)

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Kayaks will be used along the course to provide quick corrective guidance for swimmers veering off-course, as well as provide brief floating platforms for those who need a break (ie. to adjust goggles, catch their breath, etc). Volunteers must be proficient in the water and well-versed in maneuvering around swimmers.

NOTE: The program is managed by our partners at Urban Kayaks. A virtual 30-minute orientation session will be held on Wednesday, September 17 at 7:00 PM CDT. Please contact their team if you are interested in applying. Kayaks, radios, T-shirts, credentials and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Urban Kayaks: 435 E. Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago

VIP & Media Volunteer Medium Priority

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You must be 18-99 years old to volunteer for this task.

September 21, 2025

5:00 am CDT - 11:00 am CDT (Full)

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Assist the VIP and Media Coordinators to help manage check-in, support guest and camera crew placement, and support elements within the VIP program. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Autonomous Buoy Setup/Teardown Medium Priority

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You must be 18-99 years old to volunteer for this task.

September 20, 2025

12:00 pm CDT - 3:00 pm CDT (At least 2 more needed)

September 21, 2025

10:00 am CDT - 1:00 pm CDT (At least 2 more needed)

Details

This event utilizes special, autonomous buoys that need to be specially constructed and dismantled at the Riverwalk. This crew will support the buoy team by unloading their trailer, moving boxes and equipment, then eventually building and testing the buoys. The process will be reversed after the event. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Medical Volunteer High Priority

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You must be 18-99 years old to volunteer for this task.

September 21, 2025

5:00 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT (At least 10 more needed)

Details

Assist with medical needs in the Athlete Venue, Medical Tent and/or along the swim course. Exact placement will be determined event morning. Clinical knowledge is required; medical professional licensing is preferred (EMT, Paramedic, RN, PT, MD). Medical students are always welcomed, too. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

People Movers High Priority

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You must be 18-99 years old to volunteer for this task.

September 21, 2025

5:00 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT (At least 41 more needed)

Details

The People Mover team will ensure crowds don’t congregate in sensitive areas, including above and below each of the six bridges used for the event. Personnel must be comfortable engaging/encouraging pedestrians to move along. A 30-minute orientation on Wednesday, September 17 at 7:00 PM CDT is required. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Event Greeters Medium Priority

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September 21, 2025

5:00 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT (At least 16 more needed)

Details

The Event Greeters are positioned across the top of the Riverwalk entry areas (between Lake Street and State Street) and serve as the event's first line of communication for guests and passers by. They will communicate timelines, directions, and serve as a mobile Information Booth. The Greeters will be briefed on event morning and dispersed to specific locations in pairs. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago