PARTICIPANT WAIVER FORM

Southlake Water Park cares for the safety and welfare of all participants. We consider Health & Safety to be important for all participants and require you to read and review this statement and indemnity waiver form to establish our level of commitment to your health and safety. In addition to this form, participants must watch the safety videos relating to their chosen activity and attend the relevant safety & instruction briefings onsite for their chosen activity prior to partaking in any of the water-based activities. All sessions should be pre-booked using our on-line booking system.

Please note that the lake is a natural environment. There are numerous natural and non-natural trip hazards around the facility, for example, exposed tree routes, uneven ground, potholes, slippery dock and decking surfaces/stairs, with limited lighting. Lake banks/steps may be slippery, there may be sharp stones and shells underfoot. There are various buoys and ropes within the water which must be avoided. If you do not feel comfortable with these hazards then you should not visit the site nor partake in any watersport related activity in this open water environment.

Participants must adhere to the following rules for each specified activity at Southlake Water Park.

AQUA PARK

• Please ensure you understand our safety rules & read/sign our watersports indemnity form, available online – and watch our safety & instruction briefing video.

• Participants must be 6 years of age or over and be 1.2m in height to be able to go on the Aqua Park with parental consent.

• Participants 6-8 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult (18+) on the Aqua Park inflatables, 1 adult can supervise 8 children - 1 adult can supervise 3 children. Participants 9-15 years of age require an adult to remain on site for the duration of their stay. An adult is someone over the age of 18.

• For any participant under 18 years of age, an adult must sign the Participant waiver form on their behalf.

• Please ensure you arrive 25 minutes before the session time you have booked, report to reception with your online booking reference ready. This allows time to check in and get kitted up ready for your time on the water. You will get 50 minutes on the Aqua Park before changeover for the next session.

• Note that we are unable to offer refunds on booked sessions, however we can make amendments to bookings, or provide credit up to 7 days before your session.

• You must be capable of completing a 25m swim.

• Please bring a towel and swimming costume with you.

• Buoyancy aids are mandatory, these will be provided on site.

• Wetsuits hire are available for an additional charge of £5.

• Aqua socks are optional and can be purchased at an additional cost of £4, then they are yours to keep and re-use.

• The Aqua Park is an action packed activity. You will slip and fall over, make sure you and your group are happy with this before booking!

• Southlake Water Park will provide lifeguard cover during all aqua park sessions.

• You must enter and exit the water at the designated point.

• If you want to help someone back onto the inflatable please do it by holding their hand, never by the buoyancy aid.

• Do not swim out of the aqua park vicinity, stay within designated area.

• In the event you get into difficulty during the session, you must roll on to your back and signal by raising an arm in the air to alert the lifeguard.

• In the event of a thunderstorm, failing light, fog or high winds a member of staff may decide to end a session. If you are asked to exit the lake then please do so immediately.

• Be aware of Swans as they can attack defending their nest, young and territory.

• Be aware of swimmer’s itch that can occur in natural lakes – swimmer’s itch is most common in warm freshwater lakes and ponds.

• Participants are advised to take a freshwater shower after the activity.

• You must acknowledge the risks associated with outdoor activities in open water, that the lake is a natural environment. Lake banks/steps may be slippery, there may be sharp stones and shells underfoot. There are various buoys and ropes within the water which must be avoided. If you do not feel comfortable with these hazards then you should not take part in the activities in an open water environment.

PADDLEBOARDING

• Please ensure you understand our safety rules & read/sign our watersports indemnity form, available online – and watched our safety & instruction briefing video.

• To stop the spread of invasive aquatic species, we ask that you wash down your own board prior to entering the lake if you haven’t rented a Southlake Waterpark SUP.

• Each session starts on the hour and we recommend your group arrives at least 25 minutes before. Please come to the clubhouse reception when your whole group has arrived on site with your online booking confirmation ready, staff will check you in and point you in the right direction and lake to use. If you arrive late for your session, unfortunately, you will have less time on the paddleboards, it’s your responsibility to get to us on time. Please allow plenty of time to travel safely.

• No coaching is provided, however if you’d like tuition check out Just Paddle UK via our website.

• No refunds are given.

• If any paddles are lost or damaged whilst renting our boards, the fee for this is £20. If any leashes are lost or damaged whilst renting the boards, the fee is £10.00

• You must be capable of completing a 50 meter swim.

• Children must be over the age of 10 in order to take a board out on their own. Children aged 6-10 years old can share a board with an adult.

• Participants under 16 years of age require an adult (18+) to remain on site for the duration of their stay. For any Participant under 18 years of age, an adult must sign the waiver on their behalf.

• Buoyancy aids are mandatory.

• Please note, you must come back to shore after 50 minutes of the session so the next session can start promptly on the hour.

• You must enter and exit the water at the designated point.

• In the event you get into difficulty during the paddle board session, you must signal for rescue by raising an arm in the air, or try to reach the nearest shoreline.

• You should always use the leash connected to your paddle board. This will help you stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and help you float.

• There will be no lifeguard present at any paddleboard session, therefore you take part in the activity at your own risk.

• In the event of a thunderstorm, failing light, fog or high winds a member of staff may decide to end a session. If you are asked to exit the lake then please do so immediately.

• Be aware of Swans as they can attack defending their nest, young and territory.

• Be aware of swimmer’s itch that can occur in natural lakes – swimmer’s itch is most common in warm freshwater lakes and ponds.

• You must acknowledge the risks associated with outdoor activities in open water, that the lake is a natural environment. Lake banks/steps may be slippery, there may be sharp stones and shells underfoot. There are various buoys and ropes within the water which must be avoided. If you do not feel comfortable with these hazards then you should not take part in the activities in an open water environment.

   

OPEN WATER SWIMMING

• Please ensure you understand our safety rules & read/sign our watersports indemnity form, available online – and watched our safety & instruction briefing video.

• The Open Water swim season will only run when the water is consistently above 12C.

• Strictly no swimming is allowed below 12 degrees Celsius. It is essential that you know about how the cold can affect you, the risks involved, for example, hypothermia and cold water shock. Always make sure that you are accompanied by an able buddy to assist you in emergencies. A thermal blanket for after swimming is recommended.

• Children must be over the age of 10

• Swimmers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Participants under 16 years of age require an adult (18+) to remain on site for the duration of their stay. For any Participant under 18 years of age, an adult must sign the waiver on their behalf.

• Buoyancy aids must be worn.

• You must wear a brightly coloured swim hat at all times.

• You must be capable of completing an 800 meter continuous swim.

• Before each swim make sure you check in at the Southlake Water Park Clubhouse Reception, and ensure you understand which lake to use and the swimming route. Be aware of boats. No swimming allowed on the lake where and when the boat is operating – stick to designated swim times and the allocated lake for each session.

• You must enter and exit the water at the designated points.

• In the event you get into difficulty during the swim session, you must roll on to your back and signal for rescue by raising an arm in the air, or try to reach the nearest shoreline.

• Southlake Water Park will provide lifeguard cover during all swim sessions. However, we still strongly recommend you swim with a buddy or swim within a 15m distance of another swimmer during the session and within a reachable distance of the bank

• In the event of seeing another swimmer getting into difficulty, you must raise the alarm to the lifeguard or a member of staff.

• In the event of a thunderstorm, failing light, fog or high winds the lifeguard or member of staff may decide to end a session. If you are asked to exit the lake then please do so immediately.

• Be aware of Swans as they can attack defending their nest, young and territory.

• Be aware of swimmer’s itch that can occur after you go swimming or wading outdoors – swimmer’s itch is most common in warm freshwater lakes and ponds.

• You must acknowledge the risks associated with swimming in open water, that the lake is a natural environment. Lake banks/steps may be slippery, there may be sharp stones and shells underfoot. There are various buoys and ropes within the water which must be avoided. If you do not feel comfortable with these hazards then you should not swim in this open water environment.

BEHIND THE BOAT

• Please ensure you understand our safety rules & read/sign our watersports indemnity form, available online – and watched our safety & instruction briefing video.

• Arrive 20 minutes before your session. Please come to the reception/clubhouse for a member of staff to check you in and point you in the right direction. All behind the boat sessions run back to back within 14 minute time windows, so make sure you’re on the dock 10 minutes before your session starts, with equipment ready to go.

• If you arrive late for your session, unfortunately, you will have less time on behind the boat, it’s your responsibility to get to us on time. Please allow plenty of time to travel safely.

• No refunds are given.

• You must be able to swim 50m.

• Minimum age 6 years old.

• Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Participants under 16 years of age require an adult (18+) to remain on site for the duration of their stay. For any Participant under 18 years of age, an adult must sign the waiver on their behalf.

• For ringo rides – buoyancy aids and soft shell headwear are mandatory (provided by Southlake Water Park).

• For other boat activities – buoyancy aids are mandatory.

• No jumping in, nor swimming around the dock at any time whilst boats are operating.

• You must enter and exit the water at the designated points.

• In the event you get into difficulty during the session, you must roll on to your back and signal by raising an arm in the air to alert the coach.

• In the event of a thunderstorm, failing light, fog or high winds a member of staff/coach may decide to end a session. If you are asked to exit the lake then please do so immediately.

• Be aware of Swans as they can attack defending their nest, young and territory.

• Be aware of swimmer’s itch that can occur in natural lakes – swimmer’s itch is most common in warm freshwater lakes and ponds.

• You must acknowledge the risks associated with outdoor activities in open water, that the lake is a natural environment. Lake banks/steps may be slippery, there may be sharp stones and shells underfoot. There are various buoys and ropes within the water which must be avoided. If you do not feel comfortable with these hazards then you should not take part in the activities in an open water environment.

Your acceptance by signing below will act as your signature as a Participant, and/or as the legal parent/guardian, should the Participant be under 18. You must be over 18 to sign on behalf of anyone under the age of 18.

Participants must be confident in the water and able to swim 50 meters unaided in order to participate in these activities.

You acknowledge water-based activities can be a dangerous activity. Resulting injuries may include cuts, grazes, sprains, bone fractures, loss of consciousness, drowning & can result in death. You must report any accidents or injuries to a member of staff.

We can confirm safety devices (buoyancy aids) will be supplied and are mandatory for all activities.

All Participants must wear the supplied safety equipment at all times without tampering with or removing such equipment.

It is advisable to remove all jewelry before participating in the activities.

Participants must always follow the instructions given by Southlake Water Park.

We have the rights to terminate your activities should you not comply with our instructions. If this should happen you will not be entitled to any refund or re-booking.

Participants will ensure their own safety whilst taking reasonable care when undertaking the water-based activities.

Participants must not partake in any of our activities whilst under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol and Southlake Water Park staff, agents, lifeguards, coaches or representatives reserve the right to remove you if we see fit.

By taking part in any of the activities on offer at Southlake Water Park you have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure your own safety.

In addition you must not have any medical condition that may impact your ability to safely partake in the watersport activities. If you are unsure seek the advice of a GP.

I am aware any valuables are left at owners own risk.

By submitting this form, you confirm that you have read and understood the safety requirements and rules as set out above and will listen to all instructions from Southlake Water Park staff and comply with such instructions and observe safety notices placed on site. 

You confirm by submitting this form, you have read and understood the Entry Conditions & restrictions.

Our risk assessment is available to view upon request.

WAIVER DISCLAIMER

You agree to take responsibility for your own and others health and well-being and property in relation to the activities that you undertake.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Southlake Water Park will accept no liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage, foreseeable or otherwise, including any indirect, consequential, special, or exemplary damages arising from the use of the Southlake Water Park Aqua Park and other activities offered, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty or otherwise, arising under or in connection with Southlake Water Park. You agree to be responsible for your own property.

You agree to indemnify and keep indemnified Southlake Water Park, its’ directors, employees/staff, coaches, lifeguards, Landlord and any other person or persons as may be authorised by Southlake Water Park to promote or organise these activities from and against all actions, claims, costs, expenses and demands in or connected with your failure to comply with any of your obligations as set out above. Nothing in this waiver shall limit or exclude our liability for death or personal injury resulting from our negligence or limit any of our liabilities in any way that is not permitted under applicable law; or exclude any of our liabilities that may not be excluded under applicable law. By submitting this form, you confirm that you are over the age of 18 (and competent to provide this waiver) and you have read the waiver and indemnity carefully and understand the Terms and Conditions. You acknowledge that you have read the waiver and agree to provide the indemnity requested. You acknowledge that you have agreed to submit your acceptance to this waiver without any inducement, assurance or guarantee, and intend this signing submission to serve as confirmation of your complete and unconditional acceptance of the Terms, Conditions and provisions of the waiver.

SUB ZERO SWIMMING

• Please ensure you understand our safety rules & read/sign our water sports indemnity form, available online.

•  We highly recommend you sign up to a Cold Water Induction Course so you’re equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills for your swim, please contact us for more info.

• The Sub Zero season will run from November 2024 until April 2025.

• Seek medical advice if you have any underlying health conditions, consult a doctor before participating in cold water swimming.

• It is essential that you know about how the cold can affect you, and the risks involved, for example, hypothermia and cold water shock.

• Always make sure that you are accompanied by an able buddy to assist you in an emergency.

• Swimmers must be over the age of 16 and accompanied by an adult (18+). The accompanying adult must remain on site for the duration of their stay. For any participant under 18 years of age, an adult must sign the waiver on their behalf.

• Tow floats must be worn, making you visible to lifeguards.

• We highly recommend you wear a brightly coloured swim hat at all times.

• We recommend you wear a wetsuit, neoprene or silicone hats, neoprene gloves & boots - to preserve your body heat. For ‘head-up’ swimmers or static plunging, wearing a woolly hat is acceptable.

• If you’re swimming skins then make sure you keep an eye on the time you spend in the water.

• You must be capable of completing a 300 meter continuous swim.

• Before each swim make sure you check in at the Southlake Water Park Clubhouse Reception, and ensure you understand which lake to use and the swimming route

• Be aware of boats operating in the area. No swimming is allowed on the lake where and when the boat is operating – Stick to designated swim times and the allocated lake for each session.

• If it’s your first cold water swim then please tell the lifeguard on duty before you get into the water.

• You must enter and exit the water at the designated points.

• Speak to the venue lifeguard/coach for advice and guidance. They’re highly experienced with open water swimming and cold water swimming. The lifeguard/coach can provide useful tips and help you better plan your swim expectations.

• Entry to your cold water session should be slow via the steps. DO NOT dive into the water – the shock of quick entry into cold water can be very dangerous.

• Be mindful of breathing, cold water can cause hyperventilation. Practice controlled, slow breathing when entering to manage the shock of the cold.

• Decrease the length of time you would normally spend in the water, know your limits.
  1-5 minutes may be enough for beginners. As you acclimatise you can extend this time, but avoid staying in for too long to prevent hypothermia.

• In the event you get into difficulty during the swim session, you must roll on to your back and signal for rescue by raising an arm in the air, or try to reach the nearest shoreline.

• Southlake Water Park will provide lifeguard cover during all swim sessions. However, we still strongly recommend you swim with a buddy or swim/dip within a 15m distance of another swimmer during the session and within a reachable distance of the bank.

• In the event of seeing another swimmer getting into difficulty, you must raise the alarm to the lifeguard or a member of staff.

• In the event of a thunderstorm, failing light, fog or high winds the lifeguard or member of staff may decide to end a session. If you are asked to exit the lake then please do so immediately.

• Be aware of swans as they can attack when defending their nest, young and territory.

• Be aware of swimmer’s itch that can occur after you go swimming or wading outdoors – swimmer’s itch is most common in warm freshwater lakes and ponds.

• When rewarming after your swim allow your body to warm up gradually, avoid taking a hot shower immediately after your swim, or using excessive heat sources (heaters, sauna) which can lead to rewarming too quickly.

• Your body temperature will continue to drop after you get out of the water so it’s important to dry off after your swim/dip and change into warm dry clothing as soon as possible.

• A thermal blanket for after swimming is recommended.
  If you feel unwell after your swim once you have left the site, please seek medical advice.

• You must acknowledge the risks associated with swimming in open water, that the lake is a natural environment. Lake banks/steps, decking may be slippery, there may be sharp stones and shells underfoot. There are various buoys and ropes within the water which must be avoided. The decking may be slippery to and from the sauna. If you do not feel comfortable with these hazards then you should not swim in this open water environment.

SAUNA USE:

• You must be over the age of 16. Any youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) in the sauna.

• Persons with health conditions requiring medical care should consult a Doctor before entering the sauna.

• No eating, drinking or smoking in the sauna.

• If no one else is in the sauna, feel free to lay down. As additional sub-zero clients enter the sauna, please sit up to make room.

• Max stay of 10 minutes per session.

• Avoid excessive heat exposure, allow your body to cool down between sessions.

• Exit immediately if uncomfortable, dizzy or sleepy.

• Drink plenty of fluids before and after using the sauna.

• YOU MUST be aware of the safe and appropriate use of the sauna after a cold water swim, to ensure you rewarm safely, and not too quickly. Please ask for details of our Cold Water Induction Course for more information.