Policies, Terms & Conditions

 

CANCELLATIONS 

All cancellations made by the customer must be made in writing and submitted via email or phone call or text message confirmation with Becky. Voicemail will not be accepted.  

If you cancel your session with less than 7 days notice to us you will not receive a refund.

Non-attendance will result in the entire amount paid to date to be forfeited. 


We reserve the right to cancel our sessions at any time without notice. In the event of a cancellation/rescheduling customers will be offered a full refund or to choose an alternative date.

To run our sessions we require minimum numbers to make it feasible. Therefore we have a cut off period of 1 day prior to the event in which your session may be cancelled.

If our 'Family Kayak bundles' are taken advantage of by groups of adults, we reserve the right to cancel the tour without refund.

All sessions are subject to change, including date/ time / length of session. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule sessions at any time without prior notice. In some rare circumstances and to ensure your safety, we may cancel a session due to circumstances beyond our control such as unsafe weather conditions.

Deposits are non refundable, non exchangeable and non transferable.

HIKING POLICIES

Adult only hikes, age demographic 20+

Participants must provide their own waterproof trousers, waterproof jacket and wear comfortable hiking boots. Bring a lightweight rucksack, snacks and water. A moderate level of fitness is required.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Our aim is to provide kayaking and canoeing in a safe fun learning environment for all ages and abilities, without discrimination. To nurture, develop and support pathways in recreational kayaking and canoeing.  Inspiring people to go paddling.  Encouraging and facilitating life-long participation in paddling activity.  Providing exceptional voluntary and professional services and implementing best practice and safety standards at all times.

SAFETY STATEMENT: HEALTH AND SAFETY

Safety is of great importance at all times. Our Activities can be hazardous and customers (if under the age of 18 their parents/guardians) must accept that there are risks when practising the above mentioned sports. Customers must comply with all safety and general instructions given by the company and their staff. When participating in a session, customers must be in general good health and must satisfy themselves that the activities are within their abilities. When booking with the company, customers (if under the age of 18 their parents/guardians) must make a true and accurate declaration of their health and must make the company aware of any medical conditions they have. The company reserves the right to refuse a booking on medical grounds.

  • We are committed to deliver the highest standards of safety whether on land or water. Our qualified instructors will always have the safety of our clients as their top priority when planning activities.

  • Kayaking is a challenging, adventure-based activity involving significant physical effort carried out in an environment that demands respect. We insist that every client should read and sign our consent form so that all parties understand, accept and support our policies and commitment to safeguard all participants. 

  • All of our instructors / leaders are qualified under Canoeing Ireland or equivalent. Our staff hold qualifications relevant to the environment and courses they are delivering as well as up to date Garda vetting, Safeguarding and CI recognised first aid qualification

  • Our instructor/student ratio operates at all times in accordance with the Irish Canoe Union safety standards and recommendations. 

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Lough Derg Watersports is committed to safe guarding children and vulnerable people by working under the guidance of Safe Guarding Policies. We seek to create a safe environment for those people to grow and develop. 

Designated Children’s Officer and Liaison Person Rebecca Mckenna. 

Confidentiality of children / vulnerable people will be protected, safeguarding the welfare and promising that information is passed on to the correct authority.  We will not share sensitive information with others who have no involvement in safeguarding the welfare of that person. 

INSURANCE

Lough Derg Water Sports has full Public and Marine liability cover, a copy of this insurance certificate and details of the conditions of cover can be provided upon request. 

Note that Instructors & Coaches operating voluntarily are covered for liability through the Canoeing Ireland insurance policy. RISK ASSESSMENT

  • Daily Risk Assessments to be carried out with each individual participant and environmental / weather considerations to be taken into account.  Group leader to ensure this is carried out. 

  • Weather conditions are constantly monitored. We may from time to time be forced to curtail or even cancel our planned activities if wind conditions are deemed too challenging for the level of the group.

  • Clients are requested to inform us on application if they suffer from any of the following illnesses: Heart Conditions, Epilepsy, Asthma, any other physical disability which might impact on your ability to sea kayak safely.

  • We will provide all clients with a full set of protective clothing and strongly advise that footwear such as light runners, sandals or wet suit booties be worn in the kayak protect the feet on slipways and rocky shorelines.

  • We carry out a full safety test / daily risk assessment before getting on the water.

  • Participants will be expected to act responsibly. Any behaviour that could jeopardise the safety or enjoyment of fellow course participants is potentially dangerous and not in the spirit of our philosophy.

INSTRUCTOR EQUIPMENT AND GROUP SAFETY

All staff must have: throw line / tow line / watch / first aid supplies / hot drink or means of making one / water / group emergency shelter / knife / canoe repair material  / spare paddle / phone / dry bag

Participants must be adequately equipped with full gear including fitted out boat / helmet / wetsuit/ windproof / protective clothing / buoyancy aid / personal first aid supplies, set to the individual needs of the participant by experienced accredited personnel.

In bright sunshine access to sun cream is advisable.   

All canoe/kayak craft must have adequate fixed buoyancy capable of being towed under rope line. Craft must not be loaded beyond manufacturers guidelines.  

ACCESS AND ENVIRONMENT

Every effort should be taken to achieve minimal environmental impact on water either on land or water with a leave no trace attitude. Group leaders should be aware of the dangers of polluted water caused either naturally or by animal waste.  

ACCIDENT REPORT

All accidents and near misses to be recorded in the accident book, the incident must be assessed with all factors including participant, environment and cause. The purpose to investigate and establish the facts, to ensure a recurrence is prevented.

COVID DECLARATION

View and sign the Covid-19 declaration now.

CTA: Click Here

UNDERSTANDING OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Waves to Wilderness acceptance of any booking will only be done subject to the customer’s acceptance of these conditions and the Terms and Conditions on the companies’ websites. Payment and/or a consent signature of the customer (parent/guardian if under 18) will be regarded as evidence of acceptance of and consent to these conditions.

I give consent for my child/ren to participate in the ‘activities’ as defined. I acknowledge and accept that the Activity is dangerous and that by participating in the Activity I and the child(ren) are exposed to the possibility of personal injury and/or death and/or property damage and I accept this risk on my behalf and on behalf of the child(ren).

I hereby indemnify “Waves to Wilderness” against all claims made by any other person against “Waves to Wilderness” in respect of any injury, loss or damage arising out of or in connection with my failure and/ or the failure of the child(ren) to follow safety instructions and/or directions of “Waves to Wilderness” their servants or agents its management and/or staff.

Health Declaration: I hereby declare that I or my child is fit to participate in the activities run by Waves to Wilderness. Bookings are accepted by the companies on the basis that all details provided by the customer are accurate and true.