What you need to know about Moonlight Tours

Lake Griffin State Park provides

• Kayak
  
• Paddle
  
• Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
  
• Whistle (required by Coast Guard)
• Headlamp
  
• Florida certified paddle guides
  

Customer Requirements

• Customer owned kayaks are not allowed on moonlight tours (No exceptions).
• Tours will begin approximately at sunset and customers must arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the time of the tour.
  
• Tours will be approximately 1.5 hours in duration.
  
• Customer reservations must be made no later than one day prior to the scheduled trip.
  

Customers MUST

• Sign park liability waiver as well as indicate approval of the release of potential public photo shoot (see column on right).
  
• Be 18 years old or older.  Children must be at least 15 years old and have the consent and on-the-water presence of a parent or guardian who is 18 years old or older.
  
• Possess basic paddling skills, meaning the ability to paddle in a straight line, make turns and stop their boats.
  
• Understand and accept the unique nighttime challenges that include paddling into darkness with only navigational lights and headlamp, and possible moonlight. 
  
• Be physically and medically capable of entering and exiting their kayaks without assistance and be able to sit in their boats for the duration of the tours. 
  
• Be less than 250 pounds, which is the weight limit of our kayaks.
• Accept the presence of area wildlife including alligators.
  
• Be willing and able to assist the guides in the unloading, setup and storage of boats and equipment. 
  
• Be prepared to get their feet and lower legs wet getting into and out of their kayak. It is advisable to wear appropriate footwear such as water shoes.
• Wear clothing that can get wet, preferably non-cotton, athletic type pants and shirt. (Cotton, when wet, stays wet which may lead to chilling and possible hypothermia)  Plan for cooler temperatures after dark. A light jacket or long-sleeve shirt may be more comfortable.
• Follow instructions given by guides.
• Correctly wear the park-provided Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It must be completely fastened and snug at all times.

• Water
  
• Bug repellant
• Extra clothing layers for cooler temperatures after dark
• Waterproof pouch for keys, phone, camera, and ID

Participant Release of Liability

• Your guide will have a copy of the following liability wavier

   which you will sign at the park before your tour or class.

  
  

• The Friends of Lake Griffin State Park participant release of liability

  Please read before signing

  ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  Ø The ability to enter and exit the vessel independently or with the assistance of a companion.

  Ø The ability to remain seated and balanced using adaptive support if necessary.

  Ø At lease one person in the vessel must have the ability to move it through the water in a stable, controlled manner and return it back to the launching area.

  Ø  The ability to put on and wear a lifejacket independently or with the assistance of a companion.

  Ø The ability to follow directions.

  Ø The ability to signal / call for help independently or with the assistance of a companion

  
  

• Assumption of Risk

  In consideration of being allowed to participate in the Citizens Support Organization (CSO) Friends of Lake Griffin State Park’s paddle tour, I acknowledge, understand, and agree that:

  1)  The risk of injury from any activity involved in this program is minor, however the potential of serious injury or death does exist.

  
  

  2) I knowingly and freely assume all such risks regardless of if they arise from a natural event or from any person or equipment.

  3)  I agree to comply with the stated terms and conditions for participation as outlined to me during the safety briefing. If, however, I observe any unusual or significant hazard during my participation I will bring that hazard to the attention of the tour guides.

  
  4)  I hereby release, indemnify, and hold harmless the state, CSO or any agent, employee, or volunteer of the state or CSO with respect to any and all injury, disability, death or loss to person or property during my participation.

  
  

  Photo Release

We may occasionally take pictures during our tours and these photos may be posted to the state’s official social media page, the Friends of Lake Griffin State Park’s website, or Facebook. They may also be used in print capacity. If you do not consent to having your photo taken and used in this manner, please let one of your guides know. Your failure to do so will be taken as consent to have your photograph taken. Please note, this also applies to any minor children under your guardianship during the tour.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

Click here for a Liability Wavier pertaining to a participant that is a MINOR.