Release of Liability and Indemnity Agreement

I hereby acknowledge and certify and following is a legally binding Acknowledgement of Hazards and Risks. I am aware that I may be exposed to hazards and risks by participating in Spokane Riverkeeper activities. I understand that I should not participate unless I am physically and emotionally able. I certify that I do not have any mental, physical, or emotional impairments, conditions or concerns which may inhibit my participation in such activities. I also understand that I must inform Spokane Riverkeeper staff or other individuals who are in charge of this activity of any relevant physical/psychological condition which may affect or limit my ability to participate.
I acknowledge that I am responsible for insurance coverage in the event that I am injured and acknowledge that Spokane Riverkeeper does not provide any medical and/or hospital insurance of any kind that will cover me while participating in these activities. I further acknowledge that Spokane Riverkeeper strongly recommends that I personally obtain insurance coverage in case of any injury or damage sustained or caused resulting from participation in Spokane Riverkeeper activities.
Spokane Riverkeeper provides opportunities to participate in volunteer conservation activities, educational and recreational activities. Spokane Riverkeeper has taken reasonable steps to provide appropriate equipment and skilled volunteers and/or staff to effectively manage the risks associated with these activities. I acknowledge the importance of understanding the risks and hazards associated with the activities in which I participate.
Activity risks and hazards are following:
• Programs offered by Spokane Riverkeeper include but are not limited to: riverside litter clean ups, nature walks, and ecological education walks or hikes, hiking (including stream and river crossings), whitewater rafting trips for scenic and educational purposes, whitewater rafting trips for the purpose of picking up riverside litter pick up, riverside outings for scientific sampling of crayfish and/or water quality samples.
• These activities occur outdoors and are subject to numerous risks, environmental and otherwise, that may be beyond the staff or leaders’ abilities to effectively manage or foresee.
• The activities provided by Spokane Riverkeeper may be dangerous and participation may result in property loss, personal injury, and in extreme cases, even death.
• Medical facilities may be hours away. Communication and transportation may be difficult and medical care and evacuation may be delayed.
• Equipment provided by Spokane Riverkeeper may fail or malfunction despite reasonable maintenance and use.
• Risk and hazards are associated with transportation to and from the activity sites. Spokane Riverkeeper leaders participate in an informational program designed to educate staff/volunteers in the handling differences of personal vehicles used in Spokane Riverkeeper activities. Despite this education, accidents involving transportation can and may occur.
• Spokane Riverkeeper will, from time to time and for certain activities, use the services of independent contractors and/or volunteers. Participants will be required to abide by rules of the independent contractor or volunteer leader. Spokane Riverkeeper cannot and will not be responsible for the conduct or quality of performances of these independent contractors or volunteers.
• Some risks and hazards associated with these activities include but are not limited to: environmental hazards: wind, lightning, rain, snow, sleet, fast moving water, cold water, strong currents and tides, insects, snakes, and other animals including predators and large animals, flash floods, falling and rolling debris, and unpredictable weather and forces of nature beyond the staff, or leaders’ control.
• Some possible illnesses and injuries include but are not limited to: diarrhea, vomiting, altitude sickness, dehydration, and allergic reactions, physical injuries, hypothermia, heatstroke, frostbite, insect bites and stings, sunburn, broken bones, sprains, dislocations, burns, bruises, tripping, falling, lacerations/cuts, close personal contact with other participants, cold water immersions and possible drowning, loss of consciousness and death.
• Spokane Riverkeeper staff includes volunteers (including those referred to as interns) who are not professional guides, instructors, or outfitters.
• I have read and understand the description of activities and their risks and hazards listed above. I have had an opportunity to ask questions about those activities and risks.
• I understand all photos and video taken by Spokane Riverkeeper may be used for marketing purposes and I will receive no compensation.
Understanding the activities and their risks, I choose to participate, and I assume all risks and hazards of such participation whether described above, in the course material, or elsewhere, and whether they are known or unknown, inherent in the activities.
I understand this acknowledgement of risks will be applied to any controversy between the participant and Spokane Riverkeeper and such controversy will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington. I expressly agree to release and discharge Spokane Riverkeeper and all of its affiliates, managers, members, agents, attorneys, staff, volunteers, heirs, representatives, predecessors, successors and assigns from any and all claims or causes of action and I agree to voluntarily give up or waive any right that I otherwise have to bring a legal action against Spokane Riverkeeper for personal injury or property damage.
I certify that I have carefully read and understand the contents of this Acknowledgement of Risks and Waiver and Release. I further certify that I am age 18 or over, or if not, that my parents or legal guardian makes these promises on my behalf, and that I voluntarily choose to participate in this Spokane Riverkeeper activity, having been fully informed of the potential risks.