1. At least 72 hours notice will be given when hiring equipment. Late bookings may not be accepted.
2. All cancellations of equipment hire should be notified as soon as possible so that others who wish to use the equipment have the chance to do so.
3. All equipment to be paid for at the time of collection.
4. All times of collection and return - to be arranged in advance and adhered to.
5. Equipment to be returned in a clean state.
6. Report damage of any equipment when it is returned.
7. Damage or loss incurred during private hire or incorrect use whilst in hire, is to be paid for or rectified by hire users. To be determined by the Equipment Officer
8. Equipment to be used up to grades of water specified, not above.
9. No boats are to be used to shoot weirs or for 'rock hopping'.
10. The club reserves the right to refuse any booking.
11. No boats are to be used on water above grade 2 for the general purpose boats, grade 3 for the whitewater spec boats.
12. Members may apply to the committee for a reduced hire rate if the intention is to train for a recognised event.

Please make sure you:

• Canoe only where there is an access agreement permitting you to do so.
• Canoe only during the season where access is allowed.
• Remember that access is permitted during daylight hours only, i.e. one hour after sunrise until one hour before sunset in order to protect wildlife.
• Use only permitted access and egress points and do not disembark at any other point, except in an emergency.
• Take care when the ground is wet to minimise erosion to the river bank when entering or leaving the water.
• Avoid sudden or excessive noise or unnecessary disturbance to bankside vegetation.
• Show consideration for the local community and other users of the water.
• Do not obstruct roads and gates. Avoid eroding road edges.
• Keep away from banks where angling is taking place.
• Canoe in small groups wherever possible and avoid loitering in pools if anyone is already fishing there.
• Change clothing discreetly and with consideration for locals and other users.
• Ask about local conditions (tides, currents, rapids and the weather).
• Inform somebody where you are going, and how long you will be.

For your own safety and the safety of others, please:

• Wear a buoyancy aid at all times.
• Wear a helmet if you are likely to canoe in white / rough water.
• Keep away from weirs and sluices.
• Do not go out alone - 3 people is a safe minimum.

• See that cuts and scratches are covered with waterproof dressings before you set out.
• Ensure that any abrasions received on or beside the water are washed under running tap water and covered with a waterproof dressing as soon as possible.
• Avoid capsizing and try not to swallow river water.
• Always wear shoes or other footwear.
• Wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking.
• Be aware of symptoms relating to water born diseases such as Weil's Disease (Leptospirosis).
• Be aware also of the symptoms of Lyme Disease, an illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium which is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. This disease can affect the skin and, much less frequently, the nervous system or heart. Ticks can be picked up when walking through long vegetation, so, if you think you have been bitten by a tick and experience a rash around the site of the bite or develop flu-like symptoms, see you doctor. Early diagnosis of the disease can greatly reduce its severity.
• Do not drop litter or discard unwanted food - take your rubbish home with you.