Explore the Upper Thames in a Barefoot Canoe

Barefoot Canoes
Hire Agreement and Disclaimer:

(reviewed January 2024 )

I will supervise my party throughout. On behalf of myself and my party I confirm the following:

• We understand that each member of our party will be provided with a buoyancy aid for those who can swim or a life jacket (for non swimmers and younger children) which we will wear at all times whilst the canoe is on the water.
• We understand that the buoyancy aids and life jackets are for use in the boat, not for swimming, and that they will be returned clean and dry (unless used in an emergency) for the next party to use.
• We understand that we will be shown how to get in and out of the canoe safely at the riverbank and will ask for clarification if we are not clear.
• I will ensure that my party listens to the short, land based, introduction to paddling and will ask for clarification if we are not clear.
• In the unlikely event that we capsize the canoe, we understand that will should swim with the boat to the bank, empty it and re-enter the boat from the bank. If this is impractical for any reason, then I understand that the absolute priority is to get all members of the group safely onto the bank and then contact Barefoot Canoes to advise them of the situation.
• I will ensure that we will:
  * Use the canoe upstream of the campsite launch point only.
  * Stay on the right hand side of the river whilst paddling.
  * Stay away from the weirs, overhanging trees and bridge pillars.
  * Keep a safe distance away from other river users, in particular larger, motorised vessels.
  * Avoid fishing lines
  * Ensure that no one is attached or tied to the canoe
  * Not undertake boating activities while intoxicated
• Boats are hired at the discretion of Barefoot Canoes Hire staff. We acknowledge that they reserve the right to cancel the hire at any time if they consider it unsafe for us to continue on the water.
• If we are advised by hire staff or any river official that it is unsafe/unsuitable to continue paddling, we will leave the river at once and seek advice from Barefoot Canoes Hire staff.
• I accept responsibility for my own safety and the safety of my party at all times. Anyone under the age of 16 will be supervised throughout.
• I have been provided with information about Weil’s Disease and I am aware that it is also available on the Barefoot Campsites website.
• I accept that Barefoot Canoes has absolutely no responsibility for the safety of myself or my party.
• I accept that water sports are considered a high-risk activity and I will ensure that my party and I act in a responsible manner at all times.
• I accept responsibility for all kit provided whilst it is in our possession and will cover the cost of replacing any lost or damaged equipment as follows:
  Paddles – £40.00 each
  Life Jackets/Bouyancy aids – £45.00 each
  Dry bags – £14.00 each
  Mobile phone wallets – £10 each
  Canoe – £250 (insurance excess)
• We have been issued with …… paddles, …… buoyancy aids/life jackets, …… dry bags.

I understand and accept the conditions as laid out in this disclaimer on behalf of myself and my party.

I am 18 years of age or older.

Hire Period:
morning session: 9.30am – 12.30pm
afternoon session: 1.30pm – 4.30pm

• Please ensure you return the boat on time at the end of your hire period, remove and dispose of all rubbish, and return all equipment promptly to the campsite for it to be signed back in. 

Name (Print): ……………………………………………………………………………..

Signature: ……………………………………………………………………………..

Date: ……………………………………………… 2024

Hirer Mobile contact whilst on the river: ……………………………………………………

Paid in advance:   ____       Paid on-site: £ _______  Cash / Online

Weil’s Disease:

The risk of contracting Weil’s disease is slight but it is a serious condition and we want you to be fully informed.

As you may know, rats pee as they run. Rat urine is a source of Weil’s disease. Weil’s disease causes kidney damage and is potentially fatal. It is primarily a disease of river banks and farmyards, not river water or river mud as many believe – rats live on land!

How to protect yourself:

* Always wash your hands thoroughly before you eat or drink.
* Immediately clean and cover grazes and cuts, even small ones.
* Keep your head (eyes, nose and throat) out of the water as much as possible.

If you or a member of your group develop flu like symptoms within about three weeks of the event (the incubation period can be a lot shorter), they should be taken to the doctor immediately for diagnosis. Inform the doctor that you have been involved in river activity. Symptoms include high fever, chills, joint pain, muscle pain (esp in the calves, oddly), headaches (sometimes with light-aversion), nausea, cough, loss of appetite. It’s very unlikely but needs to be watched for.

If you follow sensible hygiene as outlined above then the risk is low.