I. DISCLAIMER YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT FOR YOURSELF OR ON A MINOR'S BEHALF. THIS AGREEMENT MUST BE SIGNED BY OR ON BEHALF OF ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE RENTAL ACTIVITIES --INCLUDING MINORS. This Waiver and Release of All Claims ("Agreement") is applicable to all renters, paddlers, operators, passengers, participants, and users of equipment provided by What's Up Watersports, Inc. *(For purposes of this Agreement, the terms "What's Up Watersports" and "WUW" include all officers, officials, agents and or employees, other participants, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of the premises used to participate in any Rental Activity or event of What's Up Watersports, Inc.). For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Rental Activity" and "Rental Activities" include paddle boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, boating, or any associated activity. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Rental Equipment" includes paddleboards, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, jet skis, boats, or any other associated rental equipment provided by WUW to the Participant. If Participant allows any other operator, paddler, passenger, or user who has not signed this Agreement (or in the case of a minor, has not had the Agreement signed on his/her behalf) to use the Rental Equipment, he/she will be personally liable for any damages to the undisclosed individuals, even if such damages arise out of the negligence or fault of WUW. II. EXPRESS ASSUMPTION OF RISK I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE OPERATION OR USE OF THE RENTAL EQUIPMENT AND THE RENTAL ACTIVITY HAVE INHERENT RISKS THAT MAY LEAD TO BODILY INJURY OR DEATH. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT I AM NOT BOUND OR REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THE RENTAL ACTIVITIES PRESENTED TO ME, BUT HAVE WILLINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY DECIDED TO PARTICIPATE. I REALIZE THAT I AM FREE TO REFUSE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY OR ALL RENTAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING THOSE I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE WITH OR WHICH I FEEL CANNOT BE COMPLETED SAFELY BY ME. I KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY ASSUME ALL RISK OF INJURY, ILLNESS, DAMAGE OR LOSS, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, ASSOCIATED WITH THE RENTAL, OPERATION, OR USE OF THE RENTAL EQUIPMENT, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE, ACT OR OMISSION OF WUW, AND ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY PARTICIPATION. III. RELEASE OF LIABILITY I HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS WUW FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS OR CAUSES OF ACTION FOR ANY INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY INCURRED BY ME AND/OR ANY MINOR CHILDREN FOR WHOM I AM A PARENT, LEGAL GUARDIAN, OR OTHERWISE RESPONSIBLE, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF WUW OR OTHERWISE. THIS INCLUDES ANY INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY INCURRED AS A RESULT OF A HIDDEN, LATENT OR OBVIOUS DEFECT ON THE RENTAL EQUIPMENT OR ANY OF THE RENTAL EQUIPMENT USED, OR ANY FAILURE TO PROPERLY INSTRUCT, SUPERVISE OR TRAIN. IV. COVENANT NOT TO SUE AS PART OF THE CONSIDERATION FOR USING THE RENTAL EQUIPMENT, I PROMISE NOT TO SUE OR MAKE A CLAIM AGAINST WUW FOR ANY DAMAGE OR LOSS SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN THE RENTAL ACTIVITIES. VI. LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTIES I AGREE THAT I WILL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS WUW FOR ALL PERSONAL INJURIES, PROPERTY DAMAGES, OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES TO ANY AND ALL THIRD PARTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, OPERATORS AND PASSENGERS OF OTHER WATERCRAFT AND MINOR CHILDREN UNDER THE UNDERSIGNED'S CUSTODY, CARE, AND CONTROL, AS A RESULT OF ANY AND ALL ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE RENTAL, OPERATION, OR USE OF EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY WUW, EVEN IF SUCH DAMAGES ARISE OUT OF THE NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT OF WUW. VII. PHOTO WAIVER WUW may take and use photographs, video, film, and other images of the Participant participating in or observing the Rental Activities. Participant waives his/her right of privacy, publicity, compensation, copyright, or other rights to those images and consents to WUW using those images for any purpose. VIII. SMS/MMS TEXT MESSAGING Participant agrees to receive SMS/MMS text messages from WUW or others acting on WUW's behalf. The contents of these messages may include but are not limited to text messages about your reservation or experience with WUW, advertising/promotional text messages, or text messagages that are responses to text messages sent by the Participant. Participant may opt out of receiving text messages from WUW at any time by responding with STOP. IX. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS I certify that I have received adequate and proper safety and operational instruction for the Rental Equipment rented from WUW and am capable in all aspects of the handling and operation of such equipment and watercraft and following all safety instructions. I agree not to use, nor permit the use of the equipment for (a) any unlawful purpose; (b) in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner; (c) while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (non-drivers on boats only may consume beer and wine in moderation); (d) during inclement weather (thunder, lightning, high winds (if inclement weather starts, you must return to the launch area or seek nearby safety immediately); or (e) allow anyone under a reasonable age to use or ride on the Rental Equipment (e) in violation of the safety instructions I received from WUW. If the Participant or Rental Equipment should become involved in an accident, Participant or Participant's Parent/Guardian shall immediately report the accident to the police (or other appropriate law enforcement agency) and to WUW, promptly provide an accident report to WUW, and cooperate fully with the investigation of the accident. Participant and no one else shall alter or attempt to repair the Rental Equipment. Participant agrees to be responsible for the safe operation of the Rental Equipment and to abide by and follow any and all postings, rules, regulations and laws of the United States Coast Guard, North Carolina Wildlife Commission, WUW and any other regulatory agencies with respect to boating safety and operation, whether stated herein or not. If paddle boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, or participating in a watersport behind a boat, Participant must be able to swim and must wear a life jacket at all times. If Participant enters the water for any reason, Participant must be wearing a life jacket while in the water. If Participant is under 13 years-old and on a boat, Participant must wear a life jacket at all times. During any timeframe specified in any COVID-19-related orders for the State of North Carolina or for Catawba County, North Carolina - Participant agrees to follow all required Social Distancing Guidelines between and among all WUW Customers (including those within your own party) and WUW Employees. I understand that I must be physically present at the beginning of the rental and show a valid ID to prove I am the signer of this document. I understand that my picture may be taken to prove my identity. I understand that my entire Rental Party and I must abide by the What's Up Watersports Customer/Guest Code of Conduct Policy located at https://whatsuplakenorman.com/code-of-conduct/. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between the parties, and all previous discussions, understandings, representations, negotiations, and agreements with respect to the matters included in this Agreement are merged herein. Additionally, the consideration recited herein is the full, complete and entire consideration for this Agreement, and there is no further consideration to be paid by any party to any other party other than as recited herein. If any provision or part of a provision of this Agreement shall be determined to be void or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the Agreement shall remain valid and enforceable by any party. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of North Carolina, Catawba County. In the event WUW prevails in any litigation or claim relating to the enforcement of the provisions contained herein, I agree to pay and indemnify WUW for its litigation expenses, including reasonable legal fees and court costs. The courts of the State of North Carolina, Catawba County are to have jurisdiction to settle any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement. I expressly warrant and represent that before executing this Agreement I have fully informed myself of the terms, conditions and effect of this Agreement, and that have relied solely on my own judgment in executing this document. I have read the terms of this WAIVER AND RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS including but not limited to the provisions regarding Assumption of Risk, Release of Liability, Disclaimer of Express and Implied Warranties and the Covenant Not to Sue, and I understand that I am giving up substantial rights in consideration for my use of WUW's Rental Equipment. I enter into this agreement freely and voluntarily without any inducement. I understand that I must be physically present at the beginning of the rental and show a valid ID to prove I am the signer of this document. I understand that my picture may be taken to prove my identity. PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT, RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK In consideration of the services of What's Up Watersports Inc, their agents, owners, officers, volunteers, employees, and all other persons or entities acting in any capacity on their behalf (hereinafter collectively referred to as "WUW"), I hereby agree to release, indemnify, and discharge WUW, on behalf of myself, my spouse, my children, my parents, my heirs, assigns, personal representative and estate as follows: 1. I acknowledge that my participation in Jet Ski, Personal Watercraft, and Boating activities entails known and unanticipated risks that could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or damage to myself, to property, or to third parties. I understand that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity. The risks include, among other things: slips and falls; passengers can be jolted, jarred, bounced, thrown about and otherwise shaken during rides; collision with fixed or movable objects, vehicles, or other watercraft; boat capsize and entrapment; accidental drowning; water craft are slippery when wet and accidents can occur getting in or out; the forces of nature including extremes of weather, lightning and rapid weather changes, exposure to sun, strong wind, cold, large waves, eddies and whirlpools, tidal conditions, surf and currents; exposure to temperature and weather extremes which could cause cold water shock, hypothermia, hyperthermia (heat related illnesses), heat exhaustion, sunburn, dehydration; exposure to potentially dangerous wild animals, insect bites, and hazardous plant life; aggressive and/or poisonous marine life; major injuries are a risk as are sprains, strains, scratches, bruises, abrasions, cuts, lacerations, broken bones, fractures, musculoskeletal injuries including head, neck, and back injuries; injuries to internal organs; loss of fingers or other appendages; equipment failure and/or operator error; the negligence of other visitors, participants, or other persons who may be present; improper lifting or carrying; my own physical condition, and the physical exertion associated with this activity; transmissible pathogen or disease; traveling to and from activity locations raises the possibility of any manner of transportation accidents; accidents or illness can occur in remote places without medical facilities and emergency treatment or other services rendered. 2. I expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in this activity. My participation in this activity is purely voluntary, and I elect to participate in spite of the risks. Additionally, I agree to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (life jacket) and wetsuit bottom (or clothing that provides equivalent protection) while participating in this activity. 3. I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless WUW from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, which are in any way connected with my participation in this activity or my use WUWs equipment or facilities, including any such claims which allege negligent acts or omissions of WUW. 4. Should WUW or anyone acting on their behalf, be required to incur lawyer's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs. 5. I certify that I have adequate insurance to cover any injury or damage I may cause or suffer while participating, or else I agree to bear the costs of such injury or damage myself. I further certify that I am willing to assume the risk of any medical or physical condition I may have. 6. In the event that I file a lawsuit against WUW, I agree to do so solely in the state of North Carolina, and I further agree that the substantive law of that state shall apply in that action without regard to the conflict of law rules of that that state. I agree that if any portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining document shall remain in full force and effect. By signing this document, I acknowledge that if anyone is hurt or property is damaged during my participation in this activity, I may be found by a court of law to have waived my right to maintain a lawsuit against WUW on the basis of any claim from which I have released them herein. I also agree that this document is valid for subsequent visits and participation at WUW. I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms. In consideration of( ("Minor(s)") being permitted by WUW to participate in its activities and to use its equipment and facilities, I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless WUW from any and all claims which are brought by, or on behalf of Minor(s), and which are in any way connected with such use or participation by Minor(s).
Date: October 30, 2024
PROTECTIVE WETSUIT REFUSAL AGREEMENT I, for myself, and/or on behalf of my child or legal ward, have been fully warned and advised by WUW that we should wear properly fitted wetsuit bottoms, or clothing that provides equivalent protection, while riding or being around Wave Runners and Jet Skis in order to protect against injuries caused by water forced into body cavities as a result of falling into the water or being near the jet thrust nozzle. Injuries include water forced into the rectum or vagina causing severe internal injuries or death. I understand that by not wearing wetsuit bottoms or equivalent clothing, I will be going against manufacturers’ requirements and putting myself at risk for injuries. I realize that I may be subject to injury from this activity and that no form of preplanning can remove all danger Against the advice of WUW, we are declining this critical safety precaution. I/we the undersigned have read the foregoing statement carefully before signing and do understand its warnings and assumption of risks. Date: October 30, 2024
What's Up Watersports, Inc Boat Safety Checklist General Operation - I understand that the Boat I am renting is a high performance watercraft, not a toy, and as such I will carefully observe and follow the instructions and safety rules I receive from my rental operator.
- I will ensure I have enough gas at all times. I understand a good rule of thumb regarding fuel use is one third out, one third back in, and one third in reserve.
- No dogs/animals are allowed on any boat--except for the 2006 Bentley Cruise 200.
Safety Equipment - I am aware of the required safety equipment (fire extinguisher, horn, airhorn, emergency paddles) and am able to use it in case of an emergency.
- I understand that five short blasts of a horn signal danger or need for assistance.
Life Jackets/Protective Wear - I will ensure my passengers and I each have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket that is the proper size for the intended wearer and is in good and serviceable condition (including straps and zippers).
- I understand that all passengers under 13-years-old must wear a life jacket on/off the boat at all times.
- Anyone 13-years-old and older who is not a strong swimmer should wear a life jacket on/off at all times.
- Anyone who enters the water for any reason must wear a life jacket while in the water.
Starting/Stopping and Controlling/Docking the Boat - Before starting the engine, I will ensure all passengers are inside the gates on the boat and that all passengers will always ride inside the gates of the boat.
- I will take a head count to make sure all passengers are present and accounted for before starting the motor.
- I understand how to put the boat into forward, neutral and reverse and how to steer the boat.
- I understand that shifting between gears should only be done when the boat is moving at less than 2 mph.
- When docking the boat, I will take into consideration the current wind and water conditions and will ensure all of the fenders on the boat are in position to keep the boat from hitting the dock.
- I understand that stopping the engine will not stop the motion of the boat and that the steering control is lost when the engine is turned off. I understand that to slow down the boat, I may have to use reverse (only at less than 2 mph).
- I understand that the boat has no brakes, so stopping quickly may be difficult or impossible if I am going too fast.
- When the boat is docked, I will ensure that the boat is properly tied up to the dock.
- I understand how to use the engine cut-off device.
Riding at Night - I will not drive the boat between one half hour before sunset and one half hour after sunrise -- and will return to the launch area at the designated rental end time.
Number of Passengers and Weight Limit/Weight Distribution - I have been informed of the total boat capacity--by number of people and by total weight of people and gear.
- I understand that overloading this boat is unsafe and against the law.
- I understand that weight should be distributed evenly on the boat.
Safe Operation - When operating the boat, I will maintain a proper lookout and scan constantly with sight and hearing, being alert for conditions that limit my visibility or block my vision of others.
- When the boat is underway, I will make sure all of the fenders and ropes are inside the boat.
- I will always operate the boat at safe speeds, taking into consideration the conditions around me, including other boats/veseels, weather, and visibility and also take into consideration my operational experience.
- I will refrain from weaving through vessels that are underway, stopped, moored or at anchor while exceeding a reasonable speed. I will not operate the boat at an excessive speed in a slow speed area/no wakezone or in a swimming area with swimmers present.
- I will operate the boat at idle speed (3 mph) in all no-wake zones and within 150 feet of land, docks, piers, people, objects, lake markers, fishing lines, and other watercraft.
- I understand that when operating at faster than idle speed, I must also remain at least 150 feet away from any other PWC/vessel in my rental party. I understand that I should never operate in a direct-line behind or side-by-side of any other vessel -- including those in my rental party.
- I will go around corners and approach blind spots at a wide angle giving me ample time to adjust to other boaters.
- I will avoid making sharp turns and other maneuvers that make it difficult for others to avoid colliding with me or to understand where I am going.
- I understand that a waterway operates much like a roadway and that I should try to remain on the right side of the channels.
- I understand that when I meet a boat head on, I should steer to the right (starboard).
- I understand that if there is a threat of a collision, it is my responsibility to slow down, steer away, and/or stop.
- I understand that if I am going under a bridge, I will ensure that the boat and the bimini top can fit under the bridge. If the boat and bimini top cannot fit under the bridge, I will not go under the bridge.
- I understand that when I pass/overtake a boat, I should pass on the left (port) side and leave plenty of room. If conditions require it, I may pass on the right side.
- I will not operate this boat or allow anyone else to operate this boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- No smoking or vaping on the boat.
- I will not permit swimming, diving, sliding, or jumping from or near the boat unless the boat motor is turned off, the keys are removed, and I have counted to ten to allow the propeller time to stop spinning.
- I will check to make sure the water is deep enough before allowing anyone to dive or jump from the boat.
- I will make sure my passengers never dive or jump off a moving boat.
- I will make sure that the ladder is up when the boat is moving.
- I will make sure that I, or someone who knows how to operate the boat, remain on board whenever the boat is unanchored.
- I will always operate in at least 8 feet of water and will avoid any areas marked by Shoal signs.
- If pulling boat into shallow water, I will ensure the engine is off and the propeller is all the way up.
- I understand that passengers should not get off the boat into the water near any dock.
- I understand the risk of electricution.
- I understand how to operate the anchor and will only anchor the boat from the front of the boat. I will anchor only in coves and in areas where it is easy to see the boat.
Watersports - I understand that anyone participating in watersports activities such as tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, and zuping on designated watersports rental boats must wear a watersports life jacket while participating in the watersports activity and must be able to swim.
- If tube is provided by What's Up Waterports, Inc, riding capacity should not exceed 2 people or 325 pounds. I understand that two adult-sized people should not ride the tube at the same time. One adult and one child may ride at the same time; or two children may ride at the same time.
- I understand that there must be one designated spotter at all times. This spotter must be able to see the watersports participants and must be able to communicate directly and quickly to the driver of the boat.
- I understand that the watersports participants, spotters, and drivers should have an agreed upon set of hand signals for slowing down, speending up, stopping, etc.
- During watersports activties, I will operate at speeds that are safe for the watersports participants. For tubing, speed should not exceed 15mph for children and shall not exceed 20mph for adults.
- If a watersports participant should fall into the water, I understand that, as I circle back to the participant, I should keep the participant to my right side--so I can see the participant at all times.
- As I circle back to the watersports participant that has fallen into the water, the spotter should raise the orange flag to let boaters around you know that someone is in the water.
- When watersports participants are getting on or off the boat, the engine should be off.
Towing - If I am on a boat that is authorized for watersports activities (tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, zuping), I will tow only people authorized to be on my boat for watersports activities. I will not tow anything or anyone else.
- If I am on a boat NOT authorized for watersports activities, I will not tow anything with the boat.
- I will not be towed by any watercraft unless permission is given by What's Up Watersports, Inc.
Battery Usage - I understand that I should not run the radio or any other boat accessories for more than an hour when the boat engine is off.
- I understand how to switch to the backup battery if necessary.
Navigational Lights - I have been instructed on how to use the navigational lights on this boat, and I will display them properly if operating at night or when visibility is poor.
Weather - In the event of high winds or thunder/lightning, I will do my best to get immediately off the water at my launch location.
- If I am unable to make it back to my launch location, I will secure the boat as best as possible and find safety.
Emergencies/Boat Issues - In the event of a medical emergency, I will dial 911.
- I understand that if the Rental Equipment is damaged during my rental, I will call What's Up Watersports, Inc. immediately at 704-931-8787 (Option 9).
- Should anything go wrong with the Boat, I will contact What's Up Watersports, Inc. at 704-931-8787 (Option 9).
Come Back To Marina Area Early - I understand that I should be near the marina a half hour before the end of my rental. This ensures I will not be late in returning the boat.
- I understand that I should be back at the marina dock 10 minutes before the end of my rental. I understand that docking, getting off the boat, and checking out is part of my rental period.
Clean The Boat/Exit The Boat - I understand that I should clean and organize the boat BEFORE returning to the dock to expedite the end-of-rental process. I understand that my rental party should quickly exit the boat and dock area quickly--with the person financially responsible for the boat staying to check the boat back in.
- If the boat is excessively dirty, I understand the Rental Party will be charged a cleaning fee based on the labor and materials used to clean the boat.
Social Distancing - While North Carolina is under NC Executive Order 121 related to COVID-19, my party will follow all social distancing guidelines with and among my own group, WUW employees, and all others during my rental period.
Map - I understand that I should not cut between the islands directly in front of Long Island Marina, as the water is too shallow.
- I understand that the boat is not allowed in the area of the Lake Norman Sandbar (between markers D4 and D6) and not allowed north of the Railroad Bridge on the northern end of Lake Norman (past lake marker 25).
- I understand that south of lake marker 6, the wind will be stronger and the waves bigger than on other areas of the lake. On high-trafficked lake days and on windy days, I understand that it is recommended that I avoid this area.
- I have been shown a navigational map and understand how to navigate the lake.
Dated: October 30, 2024
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