Rental Eligibility & Safety Requirements
Thank you for choosing Sheepscot Boating. These Rental Eligibility & Safety Requirements explain who may participate, how our rentals operate, and the rules designed to help you enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
Please review these requirements before completing the Liability Waiver and Rental Agreement.
1. Before You Arrive
Please:
• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled launch.
• Complete your Liability Waiver before arrival whenever possible.
• Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and conditions.
• Wear footwear suitable for walking on docks, ramps, and boats.
• Bring drinking water, sunscreen, and any medications you may need.
• Bring at least one fully charged mobile phone per group.
2. Rental Eligibility
The primary renter must:
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Present a valid, government-issued photo ID.
• Provide the required payment and security deposit.
• Meet these Rental Eligibility & Safety Requirements.
3. Age Requirements
Children Under 8
Children under eight (8) years of age are not permitted to participate.
Ages 8–14
Participants ages 8 through 14 must ride in a tandem kayak with a responsible adult (18 years or older).
Ages 15–17
Participants ages 15 through 17 may operate a kayak independently only while accompanied on the water by a responsible adult (18 years or older), who remains responsible for the minor throughout the rental.
Responsible Adult Requirement for Groups
One responsible adult may assume responsibility for no more than three (3) participating minors during a rental. Larger youth groups must provide additional responsible adults so that no responsible adult is supervising more than three participating minors. Sheepscot Boating may require additional responsible adults or separate waivers whenever necessary to ensure adequate supervision.
4. Participant Responsibilities
Participants are responsible for:
• Determining whether they are physically and mentally capable of participating.
• Operating equipment safely and within their abilities.
• Supervising any participants or dogs in their care.
• Evaluating weather, water, tides, currents, vessel traffic, and other conditions before and throughout the rental.
• Following all applicable laws, posted rules, and safety instructions.
Sheepscot Boating rents equipment. Participants are responsible for their own decisions regarding participation, navigation, route selection, and continued operation throughout the rental.
5. Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)
Every participant must properly wear and secure a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD):
• Before entering the dock, gangway, pier, float, or launch area.
• While boarding and launching.
• At all times while on the water.
• While landing and disembarking.
• Until leaving the dock, gangway, pier, float, or launch area.
6. Equipment Requirements
Participants must:
• Inspect the equipment's apparent condition before use.
• Report any apparent damage, defects, or concerns before launching.
• Discontinue use if equipment appears unsafe during the rental.
• Observe all published weight and capacity limits.
• Use equipment only for its intended purpose.
• Not modify equipment or attach sails, motors, or other unauthorized propulsion devices.
7. Dogs
Dogs are welcome on designated rental equipment subject to the following requirements:
• One dog per kayak unless otherwise approved.
• Dogs must remain under the owner's control at all times.
• Dogs must wear a properly fitted canine personal flotation device equipped with a rescue handle.
• Dogs may not be tethered to the kayak. If a leash is used, it should remain under the owner's control and capable of being released immediately in an emergency.
• Dog owners are responsible for damage caused by their dog, including excessive wear or
damage to equipment.
• Dogs may not intentionally enter the water except during an actual emergency.
8. Where You May Paddle
On-Site Rentals
Participants will receive a pre-departure orientation and harbor map before launching.
Off-Site Rentals
Participants are responsible for selecting appropriate launch sites, routes, destinations, and water conditions. Open-ocean use is prohibited.
9. Environmental Stewardship
Participants are expected to:
• Follow Leave No Trace principles.
• Respect wildlife and maintain appropriate distances.
• Help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.
• Comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.
10. Prohibited Activities
Participants may not:
• Operate equipment while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, drugs, medication, or any
condition that impairs safe operation.
• Exceed published weight or capacity limits.
• Use equipment outside approved operating areas.
• Transfer rented equipment to unauthorized users.
• Intentionally damage or misuse equipment.
• Engage in any activity that creates an unreasonable risk to themselves, others, or the
equipment.
11. Operational Discretion
Sheepscot Boating reserves the right to deny, suspend, or terminate a rental whenever, in its sole judgment, participation presents an unacceptable safety risk or would violate these Rental Eligibility & Safety Requirements.
By participating in a rental with Sheepscot Boating, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to comply with these Rental Eligibility & Safety Requirements