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Pre-Rental and Pre-Ride Instruction Checklist and Attestation

Please read and understand each numbered section including our "Manatee Paddle Special instructions" which are written in Italics. 

Special Instructions are delivered by Manatee Paddle and pertain to the waters of King's Bay in Crystal River Florida.


1. Operator Responsibility: Operator is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the vessel; Avoid careless, reckless and negligent operation of vessels; Effects of alcohol, controlled substances and stressors

Manatee Paddle special instruction: Do not operate any paddle craft while impaired by alcohol or under the influence of any drug.

I Agree

2. Navigation Rules: Maintain a proper lookout; Keep a safe distance from other vessels and objects; Operate at a safe speed for the conditions; location and environment; Operate in a defensive manner; Requirements to give way to other vessels and vessel right of way.

Manatee Paddle special instructions: Avoid conflict with boats. Yield to boats and watch for signs that say "Paddlers to the left" or "Paddlers to the right." (Additional boat safety instructions are given at the launch.)

I Agree

3. Aids to navigation; buoys and other waterways markers

Manatee Paddle special instructions: White bouys marked with an orange diamond having a cross inside the diamond are meant to say "Danger" or "Keep Out." Other white bouys with an orange circle or an orange square are meant to convey information such as "rock" or "speed limit." 

When in doubt, stay out!

I Agree

4. Special Waterway Hazards: Please watch for signs. Operate at slow speed minimum wake when within 300 feet or emergency vessels with activated emergency lights or within 300 feet of construction vessels displaying an orange flag

Manatee Paddle special instructions: Kings Bay is a shallow water bay. Boats are often traveling in well traveled paths using the deepest water available. Avoid conflict with boats by yielding. Once inside the canal leading to Three Sisters

Spring, groups of paddlers should travel single file (if boats are present.)

(Additional instruction regarding boat safety is given at the launch.)

I Agree

5. Awareness of changes to weather or water conditions and proper responses to those changes

Manatee Paddle special instructions: Weather in Florida can change rapidly. If you are hearing thunder and seeing lightning, you must change plans and get off the water.

I Agree

6. Characteristics of vessels (steering, stopping, propulsion, etc.) Discuss in general and as to the specific vessel being leased or rented

Manatee Paddle special instructions:We strive to get you into the correct kayak or onto the right paddle board to suit your needs. Please be aware: max load capacities are listed on our website. Do not overload a kayak or paddle board. 

I Agree

7. Location and content of manufacturer warning labels. 

Manatee Paddle special instruction: Our Kayak and Paddle board specs are listed on our website. We only use Coast Guard approved life vests.

I Agree

8. Location of and proper use of safety equipment

Manatee Paddle special instructions:Each vessel is equipped with one life vest per person and paddlers age 6 and under MUST WEAR a life vest. Each vest is equipped with a safety whistle. Each group will be provided with at least one anchor for use in Three Sisters Spring.

(Additional safety information is covered at the launch.)

I Agree

9. Boarding, falling off, capsizing, taking on water, re-boarding and emergency procedures for dealing with these situations

Manatee Paddle special instructions: We only offer "sit on top" kayaks which do not take on water. If flipped: make your way to shore for easiest re-entry. If shore is not available, reach over the top grabbing the opposite side and pulling the kayak back over. Swim to the side and re-enter by pulling yourself up and inside. A third option is to flip the kayak back over (as described above) and re-enter from the stern by pulling the stern down and under your chest continue to pull and straddle the kayak as you pull yourself aboard. 

(Demonstration can be given at the launch upon request.)

I Agree

10. Problems seeing other vessels and being seen by them

Manatee Paddle special instructions: Avoid boating in poor weather conditions. If weather conditions begin to degrade and visibility becomes an issue, you should get off the water. If another vessel cannot see you, raise your paddle over your head and/or wave the paddle from side to side. 

I Agree

11. Dangers of reckless operations, such as wake surfing and jumping.

*This section is not applicable to Paddle Craft.

I Agree

12. Boating safety identification cards, age and engine requirements: Discuss any applicable boating safety education requirements.

*This section is not applicable to Paddle Craft

 

I Agree

13. Photographic Identification

*Photo Identification is only required for multi-day rentals.

I Agree

14. Boating Accidents: Causes and prevention of accidents; Legal requirements: remain on-scene, render assistance, report incident to authorities

Manatee Paddle Special Instructions: Please notify Citrus County Sheriff if involved in a boating accident. 

I Agree

15. Florida divers-down warning device requirements 

Manatee Paddle special instructions: If you see a red flag with a white diagonal stripe displayed it means there is either a diver under water or snorkelers nearby. Use caution and slow your speed. If you plan to swim or dive anywhere other than Three Sisters Springs or Hunter Springs, you must display a dive flag. Dive flags are available upon request.

I Agree

16. Noise, nuisances and other environmental concerns

Manatee Paddle special instructions: Please Obey signs that say "Quiet Zone" and/or "No open containers"

I Agree

17. Manatee awareness (if applicable to location)

I watched the "Manatee Manners for paddlers" YouTube video presented by the City of Crystal river.

I Agree

18. Ecosystem awareness based on local issues

*This topic is covered in the Manatee Manners for paddlers video.

 

I Agree

19. Specific operational characteristics of the vessel being leased or rented

Manatee Paddle special instructions: Reverse paddle strokes are the most efficient way to change direction quickly. Forward paddle strokes help to establish your pace. Use light strokes if manatees are present.

I Agree

20. Local characteristics of the waterway where the leased or rented vessel is intended to be operated, to include:

Navigational hazards; Boating restricted areas; Water depths

Manatee Paddle special instructions: These topics are discussed in detail at the water before launch.

I Agree

21. Paddle craft: Requirements for operating paddle craft within the marked channel of the intracoastal waterway

*This topic is not applicable to King's Bay.

I Agree

22. Off-Site or extended period use

Instruction on care and maintenance of the leased or rented vessel:

Fueling and ventilation; Trailering and transporting; Float plans; how and when to complete a float plan; Specific local hazards, e.g.: bodies of water, weather, dams, cold water, commercial vessel traffic

Manatee Paddle special instructions: A "Float Plan" refers to letting friends or family know where you will be paddling, for how long and when you expect to return. This pertains to multi-day rentals.

I Agree

Thank you for choosing Manatee Paddle!!! You are almost done, please sign below.

Manatee Paddle Signature: I hereby acknowledge I have provided the required pre-rental and pre-ride instruction as specifically acknowledged above.

MCB
Staff Signature

Participant Signature: I hereby acknowledge I have received the required pre-rental and pre-ride instruction as specifically acknowledged above, and I understand the rules and information provided in this orientation.

Today's date: July 18, 2025

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