Sonoma Creek Cleanup

I agree as follows: 1. I am volunteering my services for Russian Riverkeeper Cleanup Events within the Russian River Watershed in 2026 (“the 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 have received appropriate instruction regarding this Event, including appropriate safety and emergency procedures, I fully understand those instructions, 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, stay on trails, and limit activities to areas open to the public; 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 any compensation, benefit or insurance coverage from Russian Riverkeeper or any Event promoter, sponsor, or organizer, nor will I make any such claim.
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 product liability or 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 acquisition and use of such crafts, 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 the Event, I authorize any qualified emergency personnel, physician, or medical facility in California to perform such emergency treatment, including emergency transport and hospital care, as he or she believes, in his or her sole judgment, may be necessary.
I agree to allow my image to be used in published materials, websites, grant applications, photo contests, and other programs that promote the programs of RRK and/or any programs conducted by the Released Parties. I acknowledge that I can “Opt-Out” of this image release by submitting a request at any time to info@russianriverkeeper.org. By including my email address below, I understand that RRK may contact me about future Cleanup events and other Public Education programs.
In the event of any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement or my participation in any RRK Cleanup Event, the parties agree to make good-faith efforts to resolve the matter informally through direct discussion. If the dispute cannot be resolved through such communication, the parties agree to submit the matter to non-binding mediation before a neutral mediator located in Sonoma County, California, to be mutually selected and conducted in accordance with the mediation rules of the California Dispute Resolution Council or any similar organization agreed upon by the parties. Each party shall bear its own costs of mediation and share the mediator’s fees equally. If mediation does not resolve the dispute, any legal action or proceeding shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Sonoma County, California, and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict-of-law principles. The parties understand that communications made during mediation are confidential and inadmissible in court pursuant to California Evidence Code §§1115–1129. Nothing in this clause shall prevent RRK or the participant from seeking temporary or preliminary injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction 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.
I am over the age of eighteen and legally competent to sign this liability release, or I have acquired the written consent of my parent or guardian. I understand that the terms herein are contractual and not a mere recital, this instrument is legally binding, and I have signed this document of my own free act. By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and fully understand this waiver.