Volunteer--REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. SEE YOU NEXT SEASON.

( Note: All safety volunteers are required to sign a waiver.)

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. If, however, you are not familiar enough to adequately determine the most effective location for setup, you will be given advice and recommendations in order to provide the best coverage for yourself and swimmers. 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 is uninjured and  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 is uninjured and 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 the participant is injured and requires immediate medical assistance, stay with the participant and keep them calm. Inform another safety volunteer to contact emergency services using the event emergency phone available at one of two locations. See additional guidelines for locations. 
• If a swimmer requires extrication, 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 of two locations. 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 Fire Department and Mishawaka). It is an internet hot spot that requires you to read the instruction placard to report your emergency.
• 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. If the Safety Shoreline volunteer is unfamiliar with the location, he will be given advice and recommendation in order to provide the best setup for proper coverage for yourself and swimmer.  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.

4. 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.
• You could also be part of the Safety Team. This requires you to drive along the road during the race duration to assist with emergencies, assist safety boaters and injured, have a first aid kit with you, and alert the Lower Canyon Fire and Rescue at one of two locations: Poudre Park FD and Mishawaka.

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.

9. Photographer

• The photographer responsibility is the capture the event from start to finish. It should include meetings, gatherings, contestants at the start and finish, crews at work, safety personnel at work, and after race soiree.
• This is a non-paying gig with a complimentary inclusion of your logo on all our outgoing advertising and websites. Your gallery can be included on our site or yours for review only. Any orders you receive from your site are yours. Any orders received from our site will incur a nominal processing fee.
• Must have your own equipment and willing to accept all risks of damage and loss to the equipment.