Terms & Conditions
This document contains important information relating to the booking of an activity (“Activity”) with Whitewater North, a UK-based outdoor activity provider operating in the Lake District National Park.
These Terms and Conditions form a legally binding agreement. Please read them carefully before booking or taking part in any Activity. If you do not agree to these terms, you should not proceed with a booking or participation.
Participation in any Activity with Whitewater North confirms your acceptance of these terms, including the limitations of liability outlined below.
All participants will be required to read and sign a Risk Acknowledgement Form prior to taking part in an Activity. For participants under the age of 18, this must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Risk Disclosure
- Our Duty of Care
1.1 Whitewater North operates professionally and owes a duty of care to all participants. We take all reasonably practicable steps to provide Activities safely and responsibly.
1.2 We operate in line with relevant legislation, industry good practice, and guidance applicable to outdoor and water-based activities.
2. Our Duty of Care
2.1 While we work hard to minimise risk through planning, staff training, equipment, and supervision, all outdoor and whitewater activities carry inherent and unavoidable risks.
2.2 These risks may exist even where no negligence or fault is present on the part of Whitewater North.
2.3 Participants must acknowledge that Activities may involve:
Moving water and the possibility of capsizing or immersion
Slips, trips, and falls on wet or uneven ground
Cold water exposure and temperature changes
Physical exertion and fatigue
Changing weather and river conditions
Contact with natural hazards such as rocks, branches, or wildlife
2.4 You are responsible for familiarising yourself with these risks and following all instructions provided.
3. Your Steps to Reduce Risk
3.1 Whitewater North holds appropriate public liability insurance. We do not provide personal accident insurance and strongly recommend that participants arrange their own cover.
3.2 Prior to each Activity, you will receive a safety briefing explaining procedures, risks, and expectations. You must listen carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
3.3 You should only participate if you feel physically and mentally capable of doing so.
4. Participant Responsibilities
4.1 Instructions: You must follow all instructions given by Whitewater North guides at all times.
4.2 Medical Conditions: You must disclose any medical conditions, injuries, disabilities, or relevant health concerns before the Activity.
4.3 Swimming Ability: For water-based Activities, participants must be water confident and able to assist themselves to a riverbank while wearing a buoyancy aid.
4.4 Alcohol & Drugs: Participation while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Guides may refuse participation at their discretion.
4.5 Personal Equipment: Personal belongings are brought at your own risk. Whitewater North is not responsible for loss or damage.
4.6 Eyewear: Glasses or contact lenses may be worn at your own risk. We recommend impact-resistant eyewear with suitable retainers.
Activity Terms & Conditions
5. Booking & Payment
5.1 Activities are only confirmed once full payment has been received and a booking confirmation issued.
5.2 Group sizes advertised are indicative and may be adjusted for safety or operational reasons.
6. Cancellations & Refunds
6.1 Cancellations must be made in writing via the contact email provided on our website.
6.2 More than 28 days before Activity: Full refund or Activity credit (excluding any non-refundable deposits).
6.3 14–28 days before Activity: 50% refund or Activity credit.
6.4 Less than 14 days before Activity: No refund or credit.
6.5 No refunds will be given for late arrival, non-attendance, illness, injury, or early departure from an Activity.
6.6 Whitewater North reserves the right to cancel or amend Activities due to weather, river conditions, safety concerns, or insufficient participant numbers. In such cases, an Activity credit or alternative date will be offered.
7. Activity Changes
7.1 Guides may alter the Activity location, format, or duration on the day if conditions or participant ability require it.
7.2 Such changes do not entitle participants to a refund.
8. Behaviour & Capacity
8.1 Whitewater North reserves the right to exclude participants whose behaviour is unsafe or disruptive.
8.2 Participants deemed unsuitable for the Activity due to ability or conduct may be asked to withdraw without refund.
9. Minors
9.1 Minimum age limits apply and vary by Activity and river conditions.
9.2 A parent or guardian must sign all documentation for participants under 18.
9.3 Late collection of minors may result in an additional supervision charge.
10. Equipment
10.1 All specialist equipment provided remains the property of Whitewater North.
10.2 Participants are responsible for damage caused through negligence or misuse.
11. Limitation of Liability
11.1 Whitewater North is not liable for injury, illness, loss, or damage except where caused by proven negligence.
11.2 We are not responsible for indirect or consequential losses.
11.3 Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence where such liability cannot be excluded by law.
12. Force Majeure
12.1 Whitewater North shall not be liable for cancellation or disruption caused by events beyond our control, including extreme weather, flooding, or government restrictions.
13. Data Protection
13.1 Personal data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
14. Governing Law
14.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
14.2 Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.