Red Cliffs Audubon Chapter of the National Audubon Society

Liability Waiver for Chapter Activities

The Red Cliffs Audubon Chapter of the National Audubon Society exists to enable those interested in "birding" southern Utah and other southwestern wilderness areas by driving, hiking, or just visiting an area, the opportunity to do so with experienced birders.   "Birding", and traveling to and from the area, is often hazardous and can result in equipment damage, severe injury and even death.  In order to facilitate the "birder" who may not be familiar with an area, the chapter relies on volunteer field trip leaders.  These leaders, it is emphasized, are volunteers and in no way intend to hold themselves out as professional guides.

1.  Assumption of the risk:   I understand that in participating in an Audubon activity, outing, or field trip I am responsible for my safety.  This includes providing proper equipment (including food and water), and responsibility for my physical health and conditioning.  If I have any question as to my capacity to undertake this activity I realize that it is my responsibility to not participate.

In order to accept this responsibility knowingly, I attest that I have read the following general risks that can be expected on any Audubon outing, activity, or  field trip in this region.  The risks include, but not limited to: rough and exposed terrain and the risk of a fall from a height and possible injury or death; adverse weather including lightning storms and the risk of electrical injury or death; unexpected snow or ice and the risk of hypothermia with resulting injury or death; high temperatures and the risk of heat stroke or heat exhaustion and resulting injury or death; the risk of venomous animals or stinging insects and resulting injury of death from envenomation or anaphylaxis; the risk of myocardial infraction or cardiovascular or cardiopulmonary collapse and resulting disability or death; the risk of a fall with fracture or closed head injury or neck and spinal trauma resulting in injury or death; the risk of rock falls with resulting injury or death; the risk of drowning with resulting disability or death; the risk of quicksand and flooding with resulting injury or death.  I also understand that there are other risks that may not be foreseeable to the field trip leader at the beginning of the activity, outing, or field trip, and I accept that the risk of these unforeseen dangers is my sole responsibility.   

Car Pooling is an accepted practice during activities, outings, and field trips.  I accept the risks inherent in traveling in someone else's vehicle and agree to wear my seatbelt and use safety precautions at all times.  

2.  Liability release:   I agree to release the Red Cliffs Audubon Chapter and all officers, field trip leaders, and car pooling drivers from liability for any injury (including death) that I might sustain while participating in a chapter activity.  I further voluntarily agree to release the chapter and officers, the field trip leaders and car pool drivers for any economic harm that I might sustain while participating in a chapter-sponsored activity, outing, or field trip.  I agree that I will not bring suit against volunteer field trip leaders, volunteer car pool drivers, or the chapter as a result of economic loss or physical harm that occurs in conjunction with chapter sponsored activities, outings, and field trips. 

3.  Meaning of Signature:  By signing this waiver I knowingly agree to assume any potential risk that might result from a chapter sponsored activity, outing, or field trip.  I further acknowledge by signing that I understand fully and completely the contents of the waiver and sign under no compulsion.  The signing of this form hereby binds me to the above waiver for any activity, outing, or field trip  in which  I participate with the Red Cliffs Audubon Chapter from this day forward. 

_______________________________________
                          Printed Name
_______________________________________
                            Signature
Date: ____________________

Parent/Guardian Release

Parent or guardian: I am the parent or guardian of a minor participating in a Red Cliffs Audubon Chapter sponsored activity and after reading the above waiver with full understanding I voluntarily accept the risk on behalf of the minor for whom I have legal responsibility.

                  Participant's Name: _________________________________
                  Signature of parent or guardian: ________________________________
                  Date: ________________