Waiver

Updated June 2025

Please read carefully

Supervision of Children:

• Children Aged 16 and Under: Must be accompanied by an adult on-site and supervised at all times.
• Water Activities (Swimming, Paddleboarding, Kayaking): Children aged 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult on the water during these activities.
• Participants Under 18: Must have adult supervision during both water and land-based activities. Failure to comply with supervision requirements may result in exclusion from activities without a refund.

Water Safety Advice:

• Always wear appropriate swimming gear and a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) when on the water.
• Be aware of natural variations in the lakebed. There are deep holes in the lake where the water depth suddenly increases. Be cautious when wading or swimming, and avoid standing in areas that are unfamiliar to you.
• Be cautious of weather and water conditions such as cold water, strong winds, and currents.
• Do not swim alone. Stay clear of water edge areas with steep drops.
• Ensure you are aware of exit points and hazards around the lake.
• Lifeguards are present, but participants must take responsibility for their own safety.

Activities:

• Medical Conditions and Pregnancy: If you have a heart condition, are pregnant, or have other medical conditions, you must inform staff before participating. All activities are undertaken at your own risk.
• Participation: By participating in any activity at Moira Lakes, including swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, raft building, and land-based games, you acknowledge the inherent risks involved, including physical injury, emotional distress, or damage to personal property. You accept full responsibility for your participation.
• Health and Fitness: It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and capable of safely participating in activities. If you are unsure, consult a medical professional before taking part.
• Recommendation for Pregnant or Heart Condition Participants: Those with heart conditions, pregnancy, or prone to cramps should consider not participating. If you choose to participate, it is at your own risk.
• Medication: Inform Moira Lakes staff of any medications you may require during activities, such as inhalers, EpiPens, or other emergency medicines.
• I consent to the provision of emergency first aid and, if necessary, medical treatment while at Moira Lakes.

Open Water Swimming:

• Swim Competency: You must be able to swim at least 100 metres in open water to participate.
• Cold Water Swimming: We recommend participants wear wetsuits when the water temperature is below 12°C. Participants should be aware of the risks of cold water shock and hypothermia.
• Tow Floats: Tow floats are mandatory for all swimmers. Please understand how to use these prior to use or ask a staff member.
• Duration: It is recommended that you limit your time in cold water (below 10°C) to less than 10 minutes to avoid hypothermia. Exit the water immediately if you feel cold or show any signs of shivering or disorientation.
• Deep Water Holes: Please be aware that there are several deep holes in the lake where the water depth can increase significantly. While you may be able to stand up in some areas, these holes can cause a sudden drop. Swimmers should be cautious and stay aware of their surroundings, especially when wading or swimming.
• Lifeguards: Lifeguards will be present for all swimming activities. Lifeguards will be equipped with with first aid kits, and are trained to administer emergency care.

Use of Floating Jetty, Piers & General Safety:

• General Safety: Please follow all instructions from staff regarding the use of jetties, piers, and equipment. Be mindful of slippery surfaces, particularly in wet conditions.
• No Diving or Jumping: For safety reasons, diving or jumping off the jetty or piers is strictly prohibited unless told it is safe to do so by a lifeguard.
• Supervision: Stay within designated swim and activity areas.

Pets:

• Dogs Allowed: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. For health and safety reasons, pets are not allowed in the water. Visitors are responsible for their dogs’ behaviour and safety. Aggressive or disruptive dogs must be removed from the premises immediately upon request.
• Acknowledgement of Owners’ Dogs (Bo & Ella): I understand that the owners’ dogs, Bo and Ella, are frequently off-lead and may roam freely around the Moira Lakes site. I acknowledge that both dogs are friendly and socialised. I agree to approach them with caution and respect.
• Interaction with Bo & Ella (Owners’ Dogs): I understand that interactions with Bo and Ella, including petting or engaging with them, are at my own risk. I agree not to feed the dogs or engage in any behaviour that might provoke or disturb them. Moira Lakes staff are available for assistance should any issues arise.
• Supervision of Children Around Dogs: I acknowledge that I am responsible for supervising any children in my care while they are on-site and interacting with Bo, Ella, or any other dogs. I will instruct children to remain calm and avoid behaviours that could cause distress to the dogs, such as chasing or pulling.
• Guidelines for Visitors’ Dogs: Any dogs brought on-site must remain under the control of their owners and on a lead at all times. Visitors are responsible for ensuring their dogs do not pose a threat or nuisance to others. Please clean up after your dog and dispose of waste in designated bins. Poo bags are available on request.
• Liability Waiver for Dogs: By participating in activities at Moira Lakes, I hereby release Moira Lakes, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from any and all claims of injury, harm, or damage that may result from interactions with Bo, Ella, or other dogs on-site. This includes, but is not limited to, physical injury, emotional distress, or property damage.
• Notification of Discomfort or Allergies: I agree to inform Moira Lakes staff if I or any member of my party has a fear of dogs, allergies, or any concerns about dogs on-site. Reasonable accommodations will be made where possible, but complete avoidance of dogs cannot be guaranteed.

Hire Equipment, Lost or Damaged Items, Parking, and Speed Limits:

• Hire Equipment: All hire equipment, including wetsuits, paddleboards, and kayaks, must be returned in the condition it was rented. Participants will be responsible for any damage or loss of hired items.
• Lost/Damaged Items: Moira Lakes is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal property. Please keep valuables secure.
• Speed Limits: Please adhere to the following speed limits:
• 15mph on the access lane to Moira Lakes.
• 5mph in the car park and all other areas within the site.
• Respect for Neighbours: Our neighbours are local farmers, and the access lane is shared with them. Be aware that farm machinery or livestock may be on the lane at any time. Please drive cautiously and be respectful of farm operations.
• Children on the Lane: The farmers’ children and other pedestrians may also be walking along the lane, so it’s important to observe the speed limits and drive carefully at all times.
• Parking: Please use designated parking areas only. Vehicles parked in non-designated areas or obstructing traffic flow may be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.

Emergency Procedures & Contact Details:

• Emergency Contact: In case of emergency please call 999. Our address is 32b Old Church Lane, BT67 0EY. After, please contact a member of staff.
• What3Words location: smooth.connects.mouths.
• First Aid: Lifeguards and staff are trained in emergency first aid procedures. If you require assistance, please notify a member of staff.
• Phone Number: You can contact Moira Lakes at 028 9244 0788 for any non-emergency assistance or information.

Instructor Initiatives/Whistles:

• Whistles: Instructors or lifeguards will signal via whistles during activities. Please be aware of the following:
• 1 Whistle: A lifeguard is trying to get someone’s attention. Look in the direction of the sound to check if it’s directed at you.
• 2 Whistles: A lifeguard needs the attention of another staff member.
• 3 Whistles: Lifeguard is taking immediate action. Everyone must clear the lake.

Health and Safety Acknowledgement:

• Swimming in Natural Waters: I understand that natural water bodies contain wildlife and microorganisms that may cause mild conditions, such as swimmer’s itch. I acknowledge that Moira Lakes conducts regular water quality testing, but cannot guarantee complete prevention of such risks.
• Natural Water Hazards: While swimming in open water, there are inherent risks such as temperature changes, wildlife interactions, and potential for waterborne illnesses. I assume all responsibility for my participation.

Use of CCTV and Photography:

• CCTV Monitoring: CCTV is used for the safety of participants. Footage may be used for security purposes.
• Photography Consent: I consent to the use of photographs and videos taken during my participation for promotional purposes by Moira Lakes.

Final Acknowledgement:

• Waiver of Liability: I hereby release Moira Lakes, its employees, and affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, or demands arising from my participation, including but not limited to injury, paralysis, death, or loss of personal property.
• Terms Acceptance: By signing in, I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to all terms outlined in this waiver and declaration. I voluntarily accept full responsibility for my participation at Moira Lakes. I commit to adhering to all safety and induction procedures set by Moira Lakes and its staff. Failure to comply may lead to removal without refund.