Introduction

Welcome to River Dancers (RD). This handbook summarizes work rules, responsibilities, policies, and expectations that apply to employees of RD. It also documents the responsibilities that RD has towards its employees.

In addition, links to documents and information that will help guides with their responsibilities and knowledge are included here.

For the purpose of this revision of the handbook, the Operations Manager and Equipment Manager are Aaron Beverly. Trip Leaders include Aaron Beverly, John McDermott, Travis Michel, Matt Hanelt, and John Latos. Office Manager is Kaylee Winkelman or Aaron Beverly. Food Manager is Kaylee Winkelman or Aaron Beverly.

Mission

River Dancers provides memorable river adventures while maintaining a high standard of safety. On the river, we share stories and eat together as we become life-long friends with our guests. Our guides are easy going, skilled and passionate. We all advocate for and educate about the rivers we run by creating community, sitting around campfires under starry nights, and sharing our love and knowledge of the wild places we care about. Together we have fun creating lifetime experiences.

We seek employees that are smart, skilled, modest, that care for others and the places we operate. We like Class V skills without Class V attitudes.

Employee Responsibilities and Expectations

Guides

As an RD guide, you will find yourself occupying many roles depending on the trip. In addition to guiding your guests down the river safely, we may need you to fit PFDs on guests, give safety talks, cook, wash dishes, clean toilets, pack and rig rafts, set up camp, pack for lunch, refill water bottles, among many other tasks related to day to day life on the river. Pay attention and learn from others if you are new to the situation. There is always something to do, so if you are unsure of what that is, please ask your Trip Leader.

You are expected to be always friendly, cooperative, and helpful to your guests, to your fellow guides, to other outfitters, to private boaters, to other drivers, to random people you may see along the river, to the guy living in the pit toilet. Always be polite even if you are in the right not to be. We want RD to have a great reputation amongst all.

Learn about the rivers you run. The history, the culture, the geography, the flora and fauna. Share this knowledge with your guests, but don’t push it if they are not interested. Some folks are just interested in the ride. Learn about your guests. Find interest in their knowledge and their stories.

On multi-day trips, create the magic. Engage with your guests on the river and on shore. Share a bit of yourself around the campfires. Play guitar? Play a song. Know about big foot? Share a story. Know a good joke? Tell it. Create a lifetime experience for your guests.

At the end of the trip, you should feel like friends. Gather them up, say thank you and good bye. Invite them back for other trips if you feel good about it. Promoting other trips is the best way of marketing.

And have fun. That is why we are doing this.

Trip Leader

As Trip Leader, you bring it all together. You will organize the trip and work with the Food Manager, coordinate with guests as needed, prepare for weather and river flows, greet guests at the river, ensure they have everything they need for the river, that they are dressed appropriately and have the right safety gear, get a good safety talk. You will arrange shuttle. On the river, you will be the lead boat and will set the pace, choosing safe places and time appropriate places to swim, to switch kayaks with other guests that want a turn, to choose places for fun and safe activities such as swimming rapids or jumping off a rock, to eat lunch, to choose point for evacuation in emergency situations, to set up camp. Only time and experience will allow you to gain this knowledge and skill. So if you want to be a Trip Leader, pay attention.

The Office & Trip Planning document will Trip Leaders, Office Managers, and Food Manager.

Office Manager

Operations Manager

Employee Dress Code & Personal Gear

Dress Code

River Dancer’s is not too strict on dress code, and a little bit of flair is totally acceptable, but keep in mind this is not the time to show off your summer bod and new bikini. Look semi-professional. A t-shirt or sun hoodie, and shorts or sun pants or something similar is where to start your wardrobe selection on hot, sunny days. If you have your river dancers t-shirt and hat, please wear them. They will be given to you. Obviously wear appropriate clothing for cold, rainy days to stay warm and dry.

After several days of camping on the river, or living out of your cars, we can all start looking a little haggard. Make an effort to keep yourself presentable before each day of work.

Personal Gear

Guides are expected to provide their own river and camping gear such as Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs), helmets (when necessary), river knife, whistle, wet suits, dry suits, sunglasses, tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping bags. Having a personal dry day bag that has a few snacks, toilet paper, a simple first aid kit, some basic repair and rescue equipment, extra sun block, and room for your guests wallets, meds, keys and cell phones is highly recommended. Look to Trip Leaders and experienced guides for help in putting together your river day bag.

If you are lacking gear, River Dancer’s can loan some temporarily and help you acquire your own. We are part of NRS’ pro-deal program and can obtain discounts for gear.

Certifications & Training

All guides are required to have a current CPR / First Aid certification. Certifications should be from reputable providers where hands-on training is provided. Online courses do not suffice. Guides should provide expiration dates and photographs or similar proof of their certifications.

It is recommended that all guides, especially trip leaders, hold higher forms of first aid and rescue certifications including Wilderness First Aid (WFR), Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B), and/or Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT-1).

Guides are expected to have some formal training from an acceptable guide school or have the resume and experience that goes beyond what a guide school offers. New hire guides need to be checked off by an approved Trip Leader or Operations Manager before guiding guests. Class III runs require a guide run the river at least once before guiding customers. Class IV and V rivers require a minimum of 3 runs: one as a paddler, one guiding without passengers, and one guiding with passengers. Ultimately it is up to an approved Trip Leader or Operations Manager to check you off as “ready” on any run.

Equipment

Schlepping gear will be a big part of the guide’s job. Treat equipment as if it is your own. Damaged or lost equipment costs money and time, both of which is in short supply at a whitewater outfit.

Do not drag rafts on the ground. Carry them. With plenty of people. The more people you have, the lighter they are. You may utilize guests when carrying, but ask politely and make sure they are capable. Clean dirt and sand off rafts when loading after a trip. Pick the boats up in the water. Do not sit on the sand and then load. The goal is to keep all dirt and sand off of all equipment. Tarps can help with this. Use them to set smaller equipment on such as PFDs and helmets. On occasion, PFDs, wetsuits, splash jackets, and helmets will be washed after trips. Check with the Equipment Manager if this is necessary.

Always make sure boats and gear are strapped down appropriately. If putting gear in the top of rafts, it must be strapped down. Up to 4 rafts can strap to a trailer, one to two rafts to the top of a van. Use cam straps – one on the front, 2 on each side. Connect to D-rings or straps connected to D-rings.

Be mindful of boat pressure. Tubes, thwarts, and floors can pop if pressure exceeds limits. Top off pressure right before setting boats on the water. Do not let fully pressured boats sit on the hot sand in the sun. Monitor this when stopping for lunch. Pressure may need to be relieved either by letting air out or splashing boats with cool water. At the take out, remove air to account for heat and increase in altitude. Rafts should feel squishy before getting on the road. Check pressure at least once on the way home.

Load equipment into the van neatly and as organized as you started the trip. Think of the next trip going out. At RD’s basecamp, you will unload anything needing to be dried or cleaned. This includes PFDs, throw bags, wetsuits, splash jackets, coolers, and water bottles. For multi-day trips, some gear may be staged for morning cleaning. Check with the Equipment or Operations Manager for guidance on breaking down a large multi-day trip.

Any damaged, malfunctioning, or lost gear should be reported to the Equipment Manager at the end of the trip.

PFD and Helmet Policy

All guides and guests must wear a coast guard approved Type V PFD for whitewater. Guides and guests should have them fitted properly at all times while in use. These should be worn while rafting or while engaged in any water activities such as swimming and jumping off of rocks.

Helmets are required

• while using inflatable kayaks.
• while running Dragon’s Tooth Rapid on the Klamath River
• while running the Klamath’s Hell’s Corner Gorge or Ward’s Canyon.
• while running the Upper Sacramento or Trinity rivers.

Vehicles

If you are driving an RD vehicle, you must be approved to do so by the Operations Manager and need to be placed on the insurance policy.

When driving, strictly obey all signs and speed limits. Drive conservatively. Any use of phones while driving is prohibited. The consumption of alcohol or drugs or anything that can impair your driving abilities is prohibited before or during vehicle use. Be polite to other drivers at all times even if they don’t deserve it.

Drivers should be comfortable backing a trailer up to a river access. When positioning a vehicle at a river access, make sure there is no possibility of getting stuck. Sand and loose rock are sure to cause problems. When in doubt, carry equipment over questionable areas.

Before driving, check lights and fluids. Double check trailer connections. Double check that boats and gear are strapped down appropriately. Make sure seat belts are available and working. No more than 10 passengers, including the driver, are allowed in RD vehicles.

Insurance and registration are kept in RD vehicles. Make sure you know where they are.

Paperwork for trips are kept in RD vehicles. This includes blank equipment lists, liability releases, and trip cards. When used and filled out, staple all trip documents together and file them in the appropriate location in the vehicle.

Keep vans clean and organized and ready for the next trip. Cleaning materials are kept in vehicles and can be utilized when there is time during a trip, such as waiting for customers to arrive.

Emergencies

CalSavers

CalSavers is California’s retirement savings program. It’s for workers who do not have a way to save for retirement at work. New hires will be enrolled automatically. If you would like to participate in or opt out of this program, go to

saver.calsavers.com

Create an account if you do not have one. If you opt in, RD will deduct your requested amount from your paycheck.

Injury and Illness Prevention Program

Whitewater rafting has inherent risks both on the river and on the shore. RD’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), a state mandated program by Cal/OSHA, aims to identify risks and to take steps to mitigate them.. This is an ongoing program at RD where regular safety topics are discussed. A record of these topics and discussions are kept for each employee. These discussions will typically happen during rides to river locations. Planned topics include but are not limited to:

• Lifting and carrying
• Loading boats
• Chemicals in the workplace
• Tools to help with emergencies on the river
• Review of on river policies and safe practices.
• Emergency procedures

Alcohol & Drug Policy

Having that post trip beverage with your guests has been a part of the river culture since time immemorial. Whereas RD does not want to ban this tradition entirely, we must take the use of alcohol and drugs in the work place seriously. Any consumption that impairs one’s ability to perform their job safely, professionally, legally, and effectively is prohibited. If you are not able to make it the finish line, when the last dish is put away, then you should not be having adult beverages. Behaviors that are strictly prohibited include:

• Use, possession, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs on company premises or while conducting company business.
• Drinking in RD vehicles by driver or passengers. Showing up prior to a vehicle trip being intoxicated or under the influence.
• Any drinking prior to driving an RD vehicle.
• Drinking under the age of 21.
• Drinking while on the river. This means while guiding or sitting in rafts or stopping for lunch.
• Consumption of alcohol during work hours, except during approved company events.
• Abuse of prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications that could impair work performance or safety.

Employees who are prescribed medication that may affect their ability to perform their job safely and effectively must inform the Operations Manager. RD may request medical documentation and will work with the employee to determine if reasonable accommodations are necessary.

River Dancers may conduct drug and alcohol testing under the following circumstances:

• Reasonable suspicion testing: If there is reason to believe that an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the company may require the employee to undergo testing.
• Post-accident testing: Employees involved in workplace accidents may be required to undergo testing to determine if drugs or alcohol were a contributing factor.

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

All matters relating to drug and alcohol testing, treatment, and policy violations will be handled with strict confidentiality. In accordance with company policy and legal requirements, information will only be shared with individuals who have a legitimate need to know.

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors on River Dancers premises or representing the company at any location, including during work hours, business meetings, and company-sponsored events.

Sexual Harassment Policy

RD prohibits any form of sexual harassment. This includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. All reports will be investigated promptly and confidentially.

To prevent sexual harassment at RD, employees must understand what it is. To start, employees should read and be aware of the California Civil Rights Department’s Sexual Harassment Fact Sheet.

In addition, employees must complete sexual harassment training every 2 years. This can be accomplished through California’s Civil Rights Department Free Online Courses. Certificates received through this program must be given to RD’s Operation Manager and held on record for at least two years.

In the event of claim:

• Report to Operations Manager: In the case this may not be appropriate or the complaining party is not comfortable reporting to the Operations Manager, a claim can be filed through the California Civil Rights Department. Claims should be filed within 3 years of the event.

  calcivilrights.ca.gov/complaintprocess, 800.884.1684

• Investigation: RD will enlist a qualified third party to initiate an investigation as soon as possible, 1-5 days, depending on the severity of the claim.
• Confidentiality: The process will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible.
• Remedial Action: If harassment is found, appropriate corrective action will be taken

Workplace Posters

Know Your Rights

In California, the Workplace Know Your Rights Act (SB 294), effective as of January 1, 2026, significantly expands the information employers must provide to you. These rights are detailed in this Know Your Rights Notice provided by the California Labor Commissioner.

These rights are summarized as follows:

• Emergency Contact Protections: By March 30, 2026, you have the right to name an emergency contact. If you are arrested or detained at work, your employer must notify this contact if they have knowledge of the event.
• Constitutional Rights at Work: The mandatory notice must explain your Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights, such as the right to remain silent and to be free from unreasonable searches by law enforcement or immigration agents in the workplace.
• Immigration Protections: Employers are prohibited from allowing immigration agents into non-public areas without a judicial warrant. They must also give you 72 hours’ notice of any upcoming federal I-9 record inspections.
• Union and Group Activity: You have the right to organize a union or act together with coworkers to address concerns about pay, safety, or working conditions without fear of retaliation.
• No Retaliation: It is illegal for an employer to fire, demote, or punish you for exercising these rights or reporting violations
• Discrimination & Harassment: You are protected from discrimination based on race, religion, disability, gender identity, age (40+), and reproductive health decisions, among others.
• Wage and Hour: 4-Hour Rule: If you normally work 8-hour shifts, you are generally guaranteed at least 4 hours of pay if you are scheduled or show up for work. 7-Day Rule: Employers generally cannot require you to work more than six days in a row. Final Pay: If you quit with at least 72 hours’ notice, you are entitled to your final wages on your last day.
• Workers’ Compensation: You have a right to medical care and disability pay if you are injured or become ill because of your job.
• Annual Notification: By February 1, 2026, and every year thereafter, you must receive a written notice (via email, text, or in person) outlining your core workplace protections.

Compensation, Breaks, Meals, and Sick Leave.

Employees are paid by the hour. Your hourly wage will be set when you are hired and at the beginning of each season. These are hours you’ll accrue on typical work days. If they are longer than expected, your hourly wage will be adjusted.

1/2 Day Trips 6:30-3 pm 8 at 1X, 1.5 at 1.5X,
Full Day Trips 6:30-5:30pm 8 at 1X, 2 at 1.5X, 1 hour of unpaid break
Multi-day Trips 6:30-8pm, 8 at 1X, 3.5 at 1.5X, 1 hour of unpaid break

Guides are provided all meals that are provided to guests.

10 minute paid break every 4 hours. 30 minute unpaid lunch break every 5 hours
Attendance, Breaks, and Meals

Equal Employment Opportunity

Appendices
River Flows
Age Limits
Helmet Requirements
River Accesses
Educational Resources
Lists

Compensation

Performance Management
Benefits

History, Ecology, Culture

River Flows

Upper Sacramento
Klamath – Tree of Heaven
Klamath – Lower Klamath
Klamath – Hell’s Corner
Klamath – Ward’s Canyon
Trinity – Pigeon Point

8. Environmental Responsibility
Leave No Trace: Encourage employees and customers to follow environmental best practices, such as proper waste disposal and minimizing impact on wildlife.