Level 1 Intro to Kayaking

ALBERTA WHITEWATER ASSOCIATION & WAPITI WHITEWATER KAYAKERS

WAIVER OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT (FOR THOSE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER)

WARNING - BY SIGNING THIS FORM YOU GIVE UP IMPORTANT LEGAL RIGHTS! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

DISCLAIMER CLAUSE

The Wapiti Whitewater Kayakers and the Alberta Whitewater Association, their members, clubs, instructors/coaches, directors, agents, employees, volunteers and representatives (hereafter referred to as the "Associations") are not responsible for any injury, loss or damage of any kind sustained by any person while participating in the Association’s programs and activities for whitewater kayaking and canoeing, including injury, lossor damage which might be caused by the negligence of the Associations.

DESCRIPTION OF RISKS

I acknowledge that I am aware of the possible RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS associated with the water programs, outdoor adventures and activities for kayaking and canoeing either in a pool or outdoors in lakes, rivers or sea, and travel in vehicles, including THE POSSIBLE RISK OF SEVERE OR FATAL INJURY TO MYSELF OR OTHERS. These risks, dangers and hazards include, but are not limited to:

1. The risk of DROWNING or near drowning including but not limited to: falling out of the kayak/canoe into the water, underwater entrapment by a water feature, equipment entanglement or being knocked unconscious in the water;
2. Injuries resulting from your body hitting the canoe/kayak, paddle, water surface, pool surface, shoreline embankments, underwater features or being hit by another boat, paddle or paddler
3. Extremes of cold and hot weather and temperature which may result in hypothermia, hyperthermia, sunstroke, sunburns or heat exhaustion
4. Prolonged or sudden exposure to cold water which may result in hypothermia or cardiac arrest
5. Hazards related to windstorms, thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, or snowfall
6. Hazards related to travel in and on lakes, rivers or seas
7. Hazards related to poles, wires, strings, gates and/or crossbars used to hang slalom courses or mark downriver courses that may entangle or snare a person on the water
8. Remote locations in mountain terrain, river valleys and canyons with poor communications and inability to get rescue or medical assistance quickly or easily
9. Unfamiliar country and wilderness areas where the participant may be separated from the rest of the party, become lost, get off course or become stranded.
10. Medical problems arising before, during or after the trip
11. Terrain where a slip, trip or fall may cause injury or death
12. Other injuries (e.g. blisters, bruises, burns, cuts, sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures, concussions, acute or overuse injuries)
13. Additional risks associated with travel to and from locations including transport by public or private motor vehicle, helicopter and fixed wing aircraft that may result in a vehicle accident
14. Failure to follow directions from instructors or those in charge of outdoor trips, including those specifying:
    1. staying with the group at all times unless those in charge are consulted and provide consent;
    2. wearing an approved personal flotation device (PFD) and helmet when on and around water;
    3. safe use of tools and other equipment where required
15. Illness related to poor personal hygiene
16. Illness related to ingesting unpure water or food
17. Allergic reactions to natural substances in the environment (e.g.,poison plants, bee stings, bugbites, poison venom)
18. Allergic reactions to substances in food items
19. Injuries related to encounters with animals and plants in the environment;
20. Injuries related to equipment (poor fit, improper adjustment, malfunction, or becoming tangled)
21. Injuries related to lifting, carrying, walking with, or putting down the craft and/or packs;
22. Other risks normally associated with participation in the activity and environment.
23. Loss of or damage to my boat, paddle, gear and other equipment before, during or after the activity

CONSENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK

1. I acknowledge it is my duty and my right to obtain as much information as I require about this program or activity and associated risks and hazards, including information beyond that provided to me by the Associations.
2. I freely and voluntarily assume the risks/hazards inherent in the program/activity and understand and acknowledge that I may suffer personal and potentially serious injury arising from my participation.
3. I acknowledge that the Associations have the right to refuse to allow me to participate in any activity if, in the Associations’ opinion, I am not adequately fit, not properly equipped, insufficiently skilled or otherwise not ready to participate safely.
4. I agree to abide by the rules and regulations, including directions and instructions from the Associations and/or service providers, administrators, instructors/coaches and supervisors over all phases of the program/activity.
5. I have read and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and rules.

6. In the event that I fail to abide by the rules and regulations or Code of Conduct or rules, disciplinary action may require my exclusion from further participation and I will be responsible for any related costs associated.
7. I acknowledge that it is my duty to advise the Associations of any medical/health concerns (e.g., medical, physical, emotional, learning, and/or behavioural conditions) that may affect my participation.
8. I acknowledge that the Associations may cancel the activity if conditions are deemed unsafe (e.g., weather, health advisory). I accept that the board will not be liable for any costs associated with such a cancellation.
9. I acknowledge that the Associations may secure transport to emergency medical services as they deem necessary for my immediate health and safety, and that I shall be financially responsible for such services
10. Based on my understanding, acknowledgement, and consents as described herein, I agree to participate under these conditions throughout this calendar year.

INDEMNIFICATION AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

In return for the Associations allowing me to voluntarily participate in its programs and activities, I agree:

1. TO ASSUME AND ACCEPT ALL RISKS arising out of, associated with or related to my participation in the Associations' programs and activities, even though such risks may have been caused by the NEGLIGENCE of the Associations;
2. TO BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURY, LOSS OR DAMAGE which I may sustain while participating in the Associations' programs and activities for kayaking and canoeing, even though such injury, loss or damage may have been caused by the NEGLIGENCE of the Associations;
3. TO IDENTIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS the Associations, its officers, directors, agents, volunteers, employees and representatives from any and all claims, demands, actions and costs which might arise out of my participation in the Associations' water programs and activities for kayaking and canoeing, even though such claims, demands, actions and costs may have been caused by the NEGLIGENCE of the Associations.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT. It is binding upon myself as well as upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, and by signing this agreement voluntarily I am agreeing to abide by these terms.

ALBERTA WHITEWATER ASSOCIATION & WAPITI WHITEWATER KAYAKERS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK AND CONSENT OF PARENT/GUARDIAN (FOR THOSE 17 YEARS OF AGE AND YOUNGER)

WARNING - BY SIGNING THIS FORM YOU GIVE UP IMPORTANT LEGAL RIGHTS! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

1. This is a binding legal agreement; therefore clarify any questions or concerns BEFORE signing. The Wapiti Whitewater Kayakers and the Alberta Whitewater Association make available paddling programs for the benefit of the Participant. As a Participant in the programs, activities and events of the Alberta Whitewater Association and Wapiti Whitewater Kayakers, the undersigned, being the Participant and/or Parent/Guardian of the Participant (collectively the “Parties”) acknowledges and agrees to the following terms:

DISCLAIMER CLAUSE

2. The Alberta Whitewater Association and the Wapiti Whitewater Kayakers, their respective members, instructors, coaches, directors, officers, committee members, agents, employees, volunteers and representatives (hereafter referred to as the "Associations") and Her Majesty the Queen in Rights of the Province of Alberta are not responsible for any injury, personal injury, loss, damage, property damage, expense, loss of income or loss of any kind suffered by a Participant or any person, during, or as a result of the RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS associated with the sport of whitewater kayaking/canoeing or while participating in the Associations' programs, activities and events.

DESCRIPTION OF RISKS

3. The Participant is participating voluntarily in the programs, activities and events of the Associations and in the sport of whitewater kayaking and canoeing. In consideration for participation in the Associations’ programs, activities and events, the Parties acknowledge that they are aware of the RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS associated with the Associations programs, activities and events which include, but are not limited to, water programs, outdoor adventures and activities relating to kayaking and canoeing in either a pool or outdoor lakes, rivers or sea, and travel in vehicles and there is POSSIBLE RISK OF SEVERE OR FATAL INJURY TO THE PARTICIPANT OR OTHERS. These risks, dangers and hazards include, but are not limited to:
1. DROWNING or near drowning, for reasons including, but not limited to: falling out of the kayak/canoe into the water, underwater entrapment by a water feature, equipment entanglement or being knocked unconscious in the water;
2. Injuries resulting from physically hitting the canoe/kayak, paddle, water surface, pool surface, shoreline embankments, underwater features or being hit by another boat, paddle or paddler;
3. Extremes of cold and hot weather and temperature which may result in hypothermia, hyperthermia, sunstroke, sunburns or heat exhaustion;
4. Prolonged or sudden exposure to cold water which may result in hypothermia or cardiac arrest;
5. Hazards related to windstorms, rainstorms, lightning, hailstorms, or snowfall or travel in and on lakes, rivers or seas;
6. Hazards related to poles, wires, strings, gates and/or crossbars used to hang slalom courses or mark downriver courses that may entangle or snare a person on, in or under the water;
7. Remote locations in mountain terrain, river valleys and canyons with poor communications and inability to get rescue or medical assistance quickly or easily;
8. Unfamiliar country and wilderness areas where the Participant may be separated from the Associations become lost, get off course or become stranded;
9. Medical problems arising before, during or after an Associations program, activity or event.
10. Terrain which causes a slip, trip or fall;
11. Other injuries (e.g., blisters, sprains, strains, dislocations, acute or overuse injuries);
12. Additional risks associated with travel to and from locations including transport by public or private motor vehicle, helicopter and fixed wing aircraft that may result in a vehicle accident;
13. Failure to follow directions from instructors or those in charge of outdoor trips, including those specifying:
14. Staying with the group at all times unless those in charge are consulted and provide consent;
15. Wearing an approved personal flotation device (PFD) and helmet when on and/or around water;
16. Safe use of tools and other equipment where required.
17. Illness related to poor personal hygiene or ingesting impure water or food;
18. Allergic reactions to food or natural substances in the environment (e.g. poison plants, bee stings, bug bites, poison venom);
19. Injuries related to encounters with animals and plants in the environment;
20. Injuries related to equipment (poor fit, improper adjustment, malfunction, or becoming tangled);
21. Injuries related to lifting, carrying, walking with, or putting down the craft and/or packs;
22. Other risks normally associated with participation in the activity and environment; or
23. Loss of or damage to personal boat, paddle, gear and other equipment before, during or after the activity

CONSENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK

4. The Parties consent and acknowledge:
1. It is their duty and a right granted by the Associations to obtain as much information as required about the programs, activities and events of the Associations and any and all associated risks and hazards, including information beyond what has been provided to the Parties by the Associations.
2. That the Parties freely and voluntarily assume the risks/hazards inherent in the programs, activities and events of the Associations and understand and acknowledge that the Participant may suffer personal and potentially serious injury arising from participation.
3. That the Associations have the right to refuse to allow the Participant to participate in any program, activity or event if, in the Associations’ opinion, the Participant is not adequately fit, not properly equipped, insufficiently skilled or otherwise not ready to participate safely.
4. To abide by the rules and regulations, including directions and instructions from the Associations and/or service providers, administrators, instructors/coaches and supervisors over all phases of the program, activity or event.
5. The Parties have read and agree to abide by the Associations’ Code of Conduct and rules.
6. In the event that the Participant fails to abide by the rules and regulations or Code of Conduct or rules of the Associations, disciplinary action may require exclusion from further participation and the Parties will be responsible for any related costs associated.
7. That it is the Parties duties to advise the Associations of any medical/health concerns (e.g., medical, physical, emotional, learning, and/or behavioural conditions) that may affect participation.
8. That the Associations may cancel the activity if conditions are deemed unsafe (e.g., weather, health advisory). The Parties accept that the Associations will not be liable for any costs associated with such a cancellation.
9. That the Associations may secure transport to emergency medical services as they deem necessary for the Participants immediate health and safety, and that the Parties shall be financially responsible for such services.
10. Based on the Parties understanding, acknowledgement, and consents as described herein, the Participant agree to participate under these conditions throughout this calendar year.

INDEMNIFICATION AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

5. In consideration for the Associations allowing the Participant to voluntarily participate in its programs, activities and events, the Parties agree:
1. TO ASSUME AND ACCEPT ALL RISKS arising out of, associated with or related to the Participants participation in the Associations' programs, activities and events, caused by the RISKS, DANGERS and HAZARDS described herein;
2. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that the Parties may have now or in the future against the Associations with respect to the RISKS, DANGERS and HAZARDS described herein;
3. TO ACCEPT FREELY AND BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURY, DEATH, LOSS OR DAMAGE which the Participant may sustain while participating in the Associations' programs, activities and events and in the sport of kayaking and canoeing caused by the RISKS, DANGERS and HAZARDS described herein;
4. TO FOREVER RELEASE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS the Associations, and their respective members, instructors, coaches, directors, officers, committee members, agents, employees, volunteers and representatives from any and all claims, demands, actions and costs which might arise out of the Participant’s participation in the Associations' programs, activities and events and in the sport of kayaking and canoeing, due to RISKS, DANGERS and HAZARDS described herein

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

6. THE PARTIES UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT. It is binding upon the Parties as well as upon their heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives. THE PARTIES HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, and by signing this agreement voluntarily the Parties agreeing to abide by these terms.