Whitewater

    Free Rafting Waiver Template

    Cold water immersion, swimmers, strainers, and the remote-rescue delay clause that river operators genuinely need.

    [Business Name]

    Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk

    whitewater rafting

    1. Participant Information

    Participant full name: ______________________________

    Date of birth: ____________________ Age: __________

    Address: ______________________________________________

    Phone: ____________________ Email: __________________

    Emergency contact name: ____________________________

    Emergency contact phone: ___________________________

    Date of whitewater rafting: ____________________

    2. Activity and Voluntary Participation

    I am requesting to participate in whitewater rafting operated by [Business Name] ("the Company"). I understand that rafting takes place on moving water, that I may be thrown from or fall out of the raft, and that I may need to swim in current.

    I confirm that my participation is entirely voluntary, that no one has pressured me to take part, and that I may stop participating at any time if I believe conditions are unsafe or beyond my ability.

    3. Assumption of Risk

    I understand that whitewater rafting involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken by the Company, and that those risks include, but are not limited to:

    Falling out of or being ejected from the raft into moving water

    Cold water shock, hypothermia, and involuntary gasping on immersion

    Foot entrapment, strainers, undercut rocks, and recirculating hydraulics

    Impact with rocks, the raft, paddles, and other participants

    The raft capsizing, wrapping, or becoming pinned

    Substantial delay in rescue and evacuation on remote sections of river

    Changing river levels, flow rates, and weather during the trip

    Serious bodily injury, permanent disability, paralysis, and death

    I have read this list, I understand it, and I knowingly and voluntarily accept every one of these risks, including risks that may arise from the negligence of others or that are not specifically listed above.

    4. Water Safety and Swimming Ability

    I confirm that I have accurately represented my swimming ability and the swimming ability of any minor in my care.

    I agree to wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device whenever the Company requires it, and I understand that a flotation device does not guarantee safety in the water.

    5. Rules and Instructions

    I agree to follow all posted rules, safety briefings, and instructions given by [Business Name] staff, including:

    Personal flotation device and helmet worn and fastened at all times on the water

    Following the guide's paddle commands and safety position immediately

    Adopting the defensive swimming position if you enter the water

    Accurately disclosing swimming ability and any medical condition before launch

    No participation while impaired by alcohol or drugs

    I understand that failing to follow the rules may result in my removal from the activity without a refund.

    6. Equipment

    I agree to inspect any equipment provided to me before use and to immediately report anything that appears damaged, worn, or unsafe. If I choose to use the equipment, I am confirming that I accept it in its current condition.

    I accept responsibility for the reasonable cost of repair or replacement of equipment that is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond normal wear while it is in my care.

    7. Alcohol, Drugs, and Fitness to Participate

    I confirm that I am not under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, or any medication that impairs judgment, coordination, or reaction time, and I will not become so during the activity.

    I understand the Company may refuse or end my participation, without refund, if staff believe I am impaired.

    8. Health, Fitness, and Medical Authorization

    I confirm that I am physically able to take part in this activity and that I have disclosed any medical condition, injury, allergy, pregnancy, or medication that could affect my safety or the safety of others.

    Conditions to disclose: ______________________________________________

    In the event of an injury or medical emergency, I authorize the Company to arrange first aid, emergency transport, and medical treatment on my behalf, and I accept financial responsibility for the cost of that care.

    9. Weather and Conditions

    I understand that weather, water levels, wind, visibility, and other natural conditions can change quickly and may make the activity more difficult or hazardous.

    I agree that the Company may delay, shorten, reroute, or cancel the activity for safety reasons, and I accept the Company's published cancellation and refund policy for those situations.

    10. Release of Liability and Indemnification

    To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of [State], I release, waive, and discharge [Business Name], its owners, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, agents, and property owners (together, "the Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, damages, costs, and causes of action of any kind arising out of my participation in this activity, including those caused by the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties.

    I agree to indemnify and hold the Released Parties harmless from any claim brought by me, by anyone acting on my behalf, or by a third party as a result of my conduct during the activity.

    This release is binding on me, my heirs, my personal representatives, and my estate.

    11. Parent or Legal Guardian Consent (participants under 18)

    I confirm that I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor named below and that I have full legal authority to sign this agreement on the minor's behalf.

    Minor name: ____________________________ Date of birth: ______________

    Minor name: ____________________________ Date of birth: ______________

    Minor name: ____________________________ Date of birth: ______________

    I have explained the risks described above to the minor in terms the minor can understand. I accept every term of this agreement on the minor's behalf, I authorize emergency medical care for the minor, and I agree to indemnify the Released Parties against any claim brought by or on behalf of the minor.

    12. Acknowledgement and Signature

    I have read this entire agreement. I understand that I am giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue. I am signing it freely, without inducement, and I intend it to be as broad and inclusive as the law allows. If any part of this agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining parts stay in full force.

    Participant signature: ______________________________ Date: ____________

    Printed name: ______________________________________

    Parent/guardian signature (if participant is under 18): ______________________________ Date: ____________

    Printed name of parent/guardian: ______________________________

    This template is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Waiver enforceability varies by state and by activity. Have an attorney or your insurer review this document before using it with customers.

    How to use this rafting waiver

    Whitewater is the vertical where a waiver's risk list has to be honest to the point of discomfort. Guests fall out of rafts. That is normal, expected, and should be described in the document as a routine part of the trip rather than an accident.

    The severe hazards are specific to moving water: foot entrapment, strainers, recirculating hydraulics, and cold water shock. Naming them individually is what separates a defensible river waiver from a generic one.

    Rescue delay matters too. On a remote stretch, evacuation can take hours, and a participant should agree to that reality before launch rather than discover it during an incident.

    Before you use it

    • Describe swimming out of the raft as expected, not exceptional — it is.
    • Name cold water shock and foot entrapment specifically; generic water wording is weak.
    • Disclose realistic evacuation times for remote sections before launch.
    Read the full rafting waiver guide

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