Safety Boaters are expected to be skilled paddlers who are capable of safely retrieving swimmers while protecting both themselves and the participant. You should be familiar with your assigned rapid and able to determine the safest and most effective location from which to provide coverage. CPR certification is strongly recommended.

• Prioritize swimmer safety at all times.
• Recover swimmers and assist them to shore whenever possible.
• Once the swimmer is safely on shore, assess whether they are injured and ask if they wish to continue racing.
• If the participant chooses not to continue, they may remain at the shoreline until transported by a Safety Driver or joined by the Sweep Boaters.
• If the participant chooses to continue and their equipment is nearby, do not assist them in re-entering their boat or removing water from it. Competitors are responsible for their own race performance and equipment management.

• If a swimmer requires extrication or emergency medical assistance, ensure their head remains above water and maintain contact with them if it is safe to do so.
• Direct another safety volunteer to contact emergency services using the event emergency phone number available at one or two of the call boxes. See Additional Guidelines below for locations.
• Do not attempt an extrication if doing so would place you or the swimmer at greater risk.
• Remain with the swimmer, monitor their condition, and help keep them calm until additional assistance arrives.

• Carry a cell phone to use at each of the two Lower Canyon Rescue Team locations (Poudre Park FD and Mishawaka).
• Carry a tow line and whistle.
• Do not pursue lost equipment if doing so is unsafe.
• If a gear recovery attempt is unsuccessful or presents unnecessary risk, allow the equipment to continue downstream.

     Safety Shoreline volunteers provide shore-based rescue support and are expected to be proficient in the safe use of a throw rope. CPR certification is strongly recommended.

• Position yourself where you can effectively monitor your assigned section of river.
• Use a throw rope to assist swimmers when necessary.
• Remain on shore while deploying a throw rope. Do not stand in the river while performing a rescue.
• If your first throw is unsuccessful, you may move along the shoreline or adjacent roadway to attempt a second rescue from a safer or more effective position.
• If rescue efforts are unsuccessful, immediately notify a nearby Safety Boater or event official that a swimmer requires assistance.
• Carry a whistle to alert others.

     The Safety Coordinator serves as the lead safety official for the event and is responsible for organizing and managing all safety operations.

• Conduct pre-race safety briefings.
• Assign Safety Boaters, Safety Shoreline personnel, and Sweep Boaters to appropriate locations based on experience and ability.
• Ensure all safety positions are adequately staffed.
• Monitor safety operations throughout the event.
• Coordinate responses to incidents and emergencies.
• Maintain communication with race officials and safety personnel.

3.2 Sweep Boaters 

     Sweep Boaters serve as the final safety team on the water.

Their responsibilities include:

• Confirming that all competitors have completed their run or exited the river.
• Notifying Safety Boaters when the course is clear and the race has concluded.
• Ensuring Safety Boaters either exit the river or join the sweep.
• Assisting with any emergencies encountered while moving downstream.
• Sweep must carry a tow line and whistle.

     Timers are responsible for accurately recording competitor start and finish times.

• Operate timing equipment.
• Record and verify race times.
• Coordinate with race officials to ensure timing accuracy.
• Maintain organized timing records throughout the event.

Previous timing experience is helpful but not required.

     Timer Assistants support the Timer and help ensure smooth operation of the start and finish areas.

• Holding a competitor's boat at the start line.
• Positioning markers or poles used for timing and video reference.
• Verifying competitor names, bib numbers, and required safety equipment.
• Assisting with participant flow through the start or finish area.

Timer Assistants may be required to stand near the shoreline and in shallow, calm water. They should never enter swift water while performing their duties.

     Drivers provide transportation support for participants, volunteers, and equipment.

• Safely operate assigned vehicles.
• Follow all traffic laws and event transportation procedures.
• Assist with participant and equipment transport as needed.

Drivers may be assigned to operate sedans, SUVs, trucks, or buses. A valid CDL is required for any vehicle that legally requires one.

     Check-In volunteers serve as the first point of contact for participants and play an important role in creating a positive event experience.

• Verify participant registration.
• Check in pre-registered competitors.
• Register walk-up participants when permitted.
• Distribute bib numbers and event information.
• Verify participant eligibility, including age requirements.
• Confirm that all required waivers have been completed and signed.
• Maintain accurate records and paperwork throughout the event.
• Experience with spreadsheets or registration software is helpful but not required.

• Be courteous, professional, and welcoming at all times.
• Handle questions and unexpected situations calmly and respectfully.
• Communicate clearly with participants and event staff.