Our Code of Ethics and Participation Agreement

To be a member of Float Idaho, and for the safety of all participants, all members must agree to the statements itemized below.  Violations of any of these statements will result in either an immediate dismissal from the group or a block from participation/access for a period of time. We want to paddle with you, we want everyone to have fun, but we also want members to respect the sport, our group hosts, organizers, other members and the water. Water is unforgiving…if you don’t respect it, it will injure or kill you or a fellow paddler.  Did you know that out of about 3 people who die in the water (drownings) 1 of out of those 3 is a person trying to actually save the drowning person.

YOU PADDLE WITH OUR GROUP AT YOUR OWN RISK.

WE ARE NOT GUIDES.

Below are the requirements to be a group member:

  • I will wear my life jacket/PFD while on the water. No exceptions. For recreational swimming use your own judgment, but while paddling, life jackets must be worn.  We’re fussy about this.
  • I will not drink alcohol or use drugs on any event where we are actively paddling in a river or lake.
  • I will have a whistle attached to my person or life vest
  • I will use watercraft that is suitable for the event knowing that not all watercraft are suitable for every trip and if unsure, I will check with the host prior to the event to make sure my craft is suitable for the event.
  • I will not use an inner tube or vinyl watercraft.
    • NOTE: These have limited durability and our trips typically require better quality craft. We are fussy about this requirement. If we help fix your craft, we’re taking away from group time and take-out destination times.
  • I will have a current Idaho Invasive Species sticker as required by state law. Some craft under 10ft are exempt, check the law for your specific craft. Note: these stickers can take 2 or so weeks to come in the mail from the state, have your receipt with you if you paddle before it comes in.
  • I have the proper fitness level to take care of myself and my gear and can paddle for potentially long periods of time and/or all day.
  • I can swim
  • I can get back into my boat or get to shore, by myself, in the event of a capsize.
  • I will leave my pet at home unless I get specific permission from the event organizer.
  • I understand that if I have children, no child under 13 years old will be allowed to paddle with us. Any child I bring, I will be personally responsible for and must have the safety skills/knowledge to not put my/that children at risk or to the group.  I understand that children of mine, who are over 18, will need to sign their own documents (release of liability etc. and pay the annual fee)
  • I will bring to the attention of the Event/paddle leader that I’m bringing children under 18 years old and will not RSVP to an event, with children under 18, without the approval of the event/paddle leader.
  • I will RSVP properly. This whole Meetup Group is not for profit. Event leaders and organizers do this for no pay and are volunteering their time and knowledge. In the event I can’t attend I will immediately update my status on Meetup. If it is found that I don’t properly RSVP and/or give the event leader notice (before the event) I can be removed from the group. We’re fussy about this.
  • I understand I CAN NOT bring a guest and that they need to be a paid member of the group and have signed a liability waiver. Note: this sport is too dangerous to not have a paddler fully vetted and ready for the event.
  • I will not use offensive or inappropriate language that might offend other members who are within earshot.
  • I will not send emails or make phone calls to members that are rude and unprofessional.
  • I will park considerately, taking no more space than needed, without blocking other vehicles, and without impeding access to trails or put-in’s/take-out’s.
  • I will stay behind the event leader and in front of the rear sweep on any river unless given permission otherwise by the event leader.
  • I will stay with the group and will only venture off on my own or go back to my vehicle only AFTER I have personally spoken to the person(s) leading the event so they are 100% aware of my actions. Getting off the water early is a serious issue for the event leader.  I will make my plans to make sure I’m not needing to get off the water unless needed for an emergency.
  • I will act in a manner that is polite and respectful of others, even if I don’t fully agree with their opinion.
  • I will not disturb wildlife.
  • I will not litter and will pack out everything I pack in.
  • When nature calls, I will not leave toilet paper (or other matter) where other people can see it, in other words I will pack it out, bury it or burn it.
  • I will respect the rights of all recreationalists to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
  • I will respect public and private property.

For questions please contact Patrick Sherman …  patrick9723@gmail.com