Sweeper
A Sweeper is an important safety position in river rafting trips. They are experienced river guides who paddle at the back of a group of rafts to ensure no one gets left behind and to assist if any problems occur. Think of them like a lifeguard who follows the group - they keep an eye on everyone, help boats that might get stuck, and can quickly respond to emergencies. They're also sometimes called "Safety Kayakers" or "Trip Sweeps" because they 'sweep up' any issues that might arise during the journey.
Examples in Resumes
Served as Sweeper for groups of 6-8 rafts on Class III-IV rapids
Lead Safety Kayaker responsible for guest safety on multi-day river expeditions
Performed Trip Sweep duties while mentoring junior guides
Typical job title: "River Safety Boaters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find River Safety Boaters
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle emergency situations when sweeping a large group?
Expected Answer: Should explain their system for monitoring multiple boats, emergency protocols, and how they coordinate with other guides. Should mention communication methods and rescue priorities.
Q: What factors do you consider when deciding whether conditions are safe for a trip?
Expected Answer: Should discuss water levels, weather conditions, group skill level, available backup support, and evacuation options. Should show strong risk assessment abilities.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you adjust your sweeping style for different skill levels of guests?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they modify their position and approach based on group experience, including closer monitoring for beginners and different communication strategies.
Q: What equipment do you always carry as a sweeper?
Expected Answer: Should list essential safety gear, first aid supplies, repair kit, and communication devices, explaining why each item is important.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the main responsibilities of a sweeper?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic duties like maintaining visual contact with all boats, assisting stuck rafts, and basic rescue procedures.
Q: How do you communicate with other guides while on the river?
Expected Answer: Should know standard river signals, radio protocols, and basic emergency communication procedures.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (1-2 seasons)
- Basic river navigation
- Standard safety procedures
- River signals and communication
- Basic rescue techniques
Mid (3-5 seasons)
- Advanced rescue techniques
- Group management
- Weather and water level assessment
- Equipment maintenance and repair
Senior (5+ seasons)
- Emergency situation management
- Trip leadership
- Guide training and mentoring
- Advanced risk assessment
Red Flags to Watch For
- No swift water rescue certification
- Limited experience with the specific river section
- Poor communication skills
- Lack of first aid certification
- No experience with various boat types
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Workforce Solutions Aggregators: The Next Big Thing You Didn't Know You Needed
Supercharge Your Candidate Screening: 7 Unorthodox Ways to Hire Faster Without Breaking a Sweat
Ghostbusting in Recruitment: How to Keep Candidates Engaged
