I agree as follows: 1. I am volunteering my services for Russian Riverkeeper Cleanup Events within the Russian River Watershed in 2027 (each an “Event”); 2. I will perform assigned tasks that are within my physical capability, and I will not undertake tasks that are beyond my ability; 3. I will not participate if under the influence of alcohol or any drug that could impair my physical or mental abilities; 4. I am familiar with the safe operation and use of machinery, equipment and tools that I may utilize in connection with the Event, and I will not undertake to use any machinery, equipment or tools with which I am unfamiliar or which I do not know how to operate safely; 5. I will review and follow all safety and emergency instructions provided for each Event, and I agree, after proper inspection, to use only the supplies, tools and equipment provided by Event organizers unless otherwise specifically permitted by Russian Riverkeeper (“RRK”); 6. I will perform only those tasks assigned, observe all safety rules, wear task-appropriate footwear, and use care in the performance of my assignments; 7. I will follow all posted signage and remain within areas designated or approved by Event organizers; 8. I will respect the decision of other volunteers and event workers who choose to follow more stringent protective measures than the Event requires; 9. I acknowledge that my participation is completely voluntary and that I may withdraw at any time; and 10. I specifically acknowledge that I am engaging in this activity as a volunteer and not as a RRK employee, agent, official, officer or representative, and further acknowledge that I am not entitled to compensation or employee benefits from Russian Riverkeeper or any Event promoter, sponsor, or organizer. Any applicable insurance coverage is determined by the policy terms.
I understand and agree that neither RRK, Event Sponsors, Promoters or Organizers, nor any of their respective employees, officers, agents or assigns, (collectively referred to as “Released Parties”), may be held liable or responsible in any way for any injury, death or other damages to me or my family, heirs, or assigns that may occur as a result of my participation in the Event, or as a result of the negligence, whether passive or active, of any party, including Released Parties, in connection with the Event. This release does not extend to claims arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any Released Party.
I understand that cleaning up beaches or inland water areas involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to, the risks of possible injury, infection or loss of life as a result of contact with needles, glass, metal objects, burning embers or other hazardous materials, wild animals, poisonous plants, snakes, or from over-exertion or environmental conditions, including but not limited to flooding, rockslides, sun exposure, or dangerous terrain. If I intend to use a watercraft in connection with the Event, I also understand the risks related to the use of watercraft, including, but not limited to risks related to weather, tides, water movement, watercraft operation (including risks related to exertion, and entering and exiting the watercraft), collisions, sun exposure, swimming proficiency, drowning, and rescue efforts.
No known physical or health limitation prevents me from safely participating in this Event. In consideration for being allowed to participate, I personally assume all risks, whether foreseen or unforeseen, in connection with the Event of any harm, injury or damage that may befall me as a participant. I understand that this waiver discharges Released Parties from any liability or claim that I may have against Released Parties with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, or medical treatment that may arise from or in connection with my volunteer activities.
If I am injured during an Event, I authorize qualified emergency personnel, physicians, and medical facilities to provide emergency evaluation, treatment, transport, and hospital care that they determine is reasonably necessary.
I grant RRK permission to use my image in publications, websites, grant materials, photo contests, and other materials promoting RRK programs. I may withdraw permission for future use by contacting info@russianriverkeeper.org. Withdrawal does not require recall of materials already published or distributed. By providing my email below, I consent to receive RRK communications about future events and public education programs.
Any dispute arising from this Agreement or an Event shall first be addressed through good-faith informal discussion. If unresolved, the parties shall submit it to non-binding mediation before a mutually selected neutral mediator in Sonoma County, using procedures agreed upon by the parties and mediator. Each party shall bear its own costs and share the mediator’s fees equally. If mediation is unsuccessful, any action shall be brought exclusively in the state courts in Sonoma County or the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. California law governs. Mediation communications are generally confidential and inadmissible or not discoverable in noncriminal proceedings, subject to California Evidence Code sections 1115–1129. Either party may seek temporary or preliminary injunctive relief to protect health, safety, or property pending mediation.
If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
If I am 18 or older, I am legally competent to sign. If I am under 18, my parent or legal guardian must sign below on my behalf. I understand this release is contractual and legally binding, I sign it voluntarily, and I have read and fully understand it.
