Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater Rafting Liability Waiver Template

Rafting is a high-consequence activity: fast water, rocks, cold-water immersion, and the chance of a swim on every trip. A clear, signed liability waiver is the baseline document every outfitter should collect before a guest gets on the water. Use the template below as a starting point and have a local attorney tailor it to your river and your state.

Not legal advice. These templates and summaries are general information for tour and rental operators, not legal advice, and do not create an attorney–client relationship. Waiver law varies by state and changes over time. Before you rely on any waiver, have it reviewed by a licensed attorney in the state where you operate.

Download the Whitewater Rafting waiver template

Free and editable. Add your business name, your river or site, and your state's required wording — then have an attorney review it.

Download Word (.docx) Download PDF

What your Whitewater Rafting waiver must cover

  • The inherent risks of whitewater — drowning, cold-water shock, capsize, collision with rocks and other rafts, and being thrown from the boat.
  • An acknowledgement that the guest is participating voluntarily and is physically able to take part.
  • A release and assumption-of-risk section written in plain, unmistakable language.
  • A medical-fitness and swimming-ability declaration.
  • Parent or guardian signature for any participant under 18, where your state recognizes it.
  • Photo / media consent if you sell trip photos or post them.

The clauses that matter

Assumption of inherent risk

List the specific dangers of rafting on your section of river so the guest cannot later claim they were unaware. Courts look for specificity here.

Release of ordinary negligence

Where your state allows it, this is the clause that releases your guiding and equipment decisions. It must say so clearly — vague "all claims" language is weaker than wording that names negligence.

Medical & swimming fitness

Ask the guest to confirm they can swim and have no condition that makes rafting unsafe. This supports both safety screening and your defense.

Minor participants

A parent or guardian signs for under-18s. Whether that bars the child's own claim depends entirely on your state — see the state pages below.

Whitewater Rafting waiver rules by state

Enforceability varies. See what applies where you operate.

California Rafting Generally enforceable, strictly construed Colorado Rafting Generally enforceable (four-factor test) Arizona Rafting Valid, but enforceability is a jury question North Carolina Rafting Enforceable, but disfavored and strictly construed Montana Rafting Enforceable only with the exact statutory warning

Get every rafting waiver signed before arrival

Upload your waiver to EquipDash once. It then goes out automatically with every booking — customers sign on their phone, the signed copy attaches to the booking, and Dash Agents chase anyone who hasn't signed before they arrive.

RAFTING WAIVER FAQ

Whitewater Rafting waiver questions

General guidance for operators. Confirm the specifics for your state with a licensed attorney.

Contact Us

Is a rafting waiver legally binding?

In most states a clearly written rafting waiver is enforceable for ordinary negligence, but several states limit or void them. No waiver anywhere covers gross negligence or reckless conduct. Check your state page below and have an attorney confirm.

Do minors need a separate waiver?

Can guests sign the rafting waiver on their phone?

Collect signed waivers automatically

Start your free 21-day trial and send your rafting waiver with every booking.

Start Your Free 21-Day Trial See Digital Waivers