Canoe-About

(you've heard of the famed Australian Walk - About; well, in Canada we...)

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Canoe – About

Eric & Lynda Williams

16 Brookview Crescent, RR#2, Tiverton, Ontario, N0G 2T0

519-396-8844 fax 519-396-6926 email: canoe.about@bmts.com

 

Website: www.canoe-about.ca

 

 

WAIVER and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISKS

I, the undersigned, clearly understand that while I am taking this canoeing course and or trip under the guidance of "Canoe-About" and its Director Eric L. Williams, on my own behalf, that I will abide by the following safety standards and rules:

  1. Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) will be worn at all times when canoeing, and will be fastened correctly. This includes scouting, walking, lining, or tracking rapids;
  2. All orders given pertaining to Safety will be complied with IMMEDIATELY, and to the best of my ability;
  3. I will not undertake activities which are too strenuous for me, and if I find that I am too tired or not feeling well I will bring this to the attention of the course Instructor or another course participant immediately;
  4. Appropriate canoeing footwear (eg: a good supporting hiking boot) will be worn at all times when canoeing, portaging, and lining / walking the canoes in the water;
  5. All loose painters or ropes will be coiled and secured to the canoe in an appropriate manner whenever the canoes are being paddled on any water (so as to not impose an entrapment hazard in the event of an upset);
  6. I understand that all rapid running is completely voluntary, and that no student or client will ever be forced to run a set of rapids or paddle in water that they do not wish to. Conversely, I will not attempt any rapids or water which the Instructor deems is beyond my capability.
  7. In the event of an upset:
ON OPEN FLAT WATER – I will check for the safety of my partner(s), assist as required, and otherwise stay with the flooded / swamped canoe until rescued or able to effect a self rescue; or
IN MOVING WATER – I will undertake to get clear of and upstream of my canoe as quickly as possible. I will float downstream on my back, head upstream, with my feet as close to the surface as possible. I will not attempt to stand up (to avoid entrapment beneath the flowing water), and will hang onto my paddle if possible. I will continue to float with the flow until rescued, or able to effect a self rescue in an eddy or other quiet water. I will avoid at all costs being caught between my canoe and a hard place (rock) wherein I would be crushed by a force of several tons. If the flow is going to take me into a sweep (eg: a tree with branches fallen into the river) I will reverse to a forward swimming position so that I can grab it and climb up on / over the sweep (to avoid being swept under it and possible entrapped below the water).

  I especially understand that there is an element of risk (up to and including, but not limited to, injury or death) associated with canoeing, canoe tripping, and especially moving water. I have been informed of the same by Eric Williams, Director of "Canoe-About", and have had the opportunity to have all questions, uncertainties, and concerns answered to my satisfaction. With full understanding of these risks I still volunteer to take part in this course and or trip, and to accept these risks as being part of the nature of this sport / recreation.

  Having read this document carefully, I hereby release and forever discharge "Canoe-About" and its Director Eric Williams, other officers, agents, servants, and employees, and its or their successors, heirs, and assigns (the "Releasees") should any injury, or loss of limb or life happen to my person whilst taking part in this course and or trip. I also waive claim against the "Releasees" should any damage or loss occur against my personal property whilst taking part in this course or trip, including any loss of any other nature, including delays resulting from inclement weather or other natural conditions during the course and or trip, however caused, arising out of, or in any way connected with this course or trip, and notwithstanding that the same may have been contributed to or occasioned by the negligence of the Releasees, or any of them.

 

Name of Participant (print)                                                                  .     Name of Witness (print)                                                                        .

Signature of Participant                                                                            .Signature of Witness                                                                               .

Date                                                  .                             Address of Witness                                                                              .

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Applicants Under The Age Of 18 (as of the first day of the course and or trip)

MUST be accompanied by a Parent or Guardian, or someone legally responsible for them (Teacher, Scouter, Guider, etc.); and the following must be signed below:

I further agree to indemnify and save harmless from all damages, claims, and costs in connection with such injury or loss of life and limb or damage of personal property resulting from the participation of my child in this course or trip.

 

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Name of Parent or Guardian (print)                                                           Name of Witness (print)

 

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Signature of Parent or Guardian                                                              Signature of Witness

 

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Date                                                                                                                   Address of Witness

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