Pool 4 Adventures has four agreements that must be signed to complete the rental process. These are summarized here; the complete documents are provided for e-signature after you complete your reservation.

The Renter must sign the Rental Agreement, which is our rental contract that defines the terms and conditions of the rental. We have a two-part agreement – a general rental agreement and a watercraft specific addendum.

Anyone operating a watercraft must sign the Operator’s Agreement. Signing this agreement ensures that each operator has reviewed the basic rules for operating our boats, which is important to the safety of all passengers and other boaters on the water. There is some
duplication from the rental agreement in areas where it is important that each operator have awareness.

Finally, everyone that will be on-board must sign our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement. Passengers that have not signed the waiver prior to arriving at the dock will be allowed to sign on an iPad or smartphone at check-in (prior to boarding). Any passenger under 18 must have a waiver signed by a legal guardian.

Equipment Rental Agreement

Some key points of this agreement are:

  • We collect or hold a security and damage deposit to be used for damage repairs to the watercraft, additional charges, etc., related to your rental Renter is responsible for all damage repairs, even if they exceed the damage deposit.
  • Renter acknowledges that the equipment will be operated only by qualified operators and that Renter will not allow anyone that is under the influence to operate the equipment.
  • Renter acknowledges that rental may be cancelled if rental equipment is out of service for some reason. Pool 4 will try to substitute equal or better equipment, but if unable to do so, Renter will be refunded full reservation fee, or given option to reschedule.
  • In case of theft or loss of Pool 4 equipment, Renter is responsible for replacement value of equipment. It is best to not leave equipment unattended, but if you do, be sure to secure it. Lock up what you can.
  • Pool 4 is not liable for Renter property left or stored on, or stolen from, Pool 4 equipment. Be sure to secure your belongings and take them with you at the end of your rental. We’ll do a quick check before you depart.
  • There are some legal clauses regarding handling of disputes, mediation, etc.
  • Renter acknowledges that he/she is fully responsible for everything that happens to Renter, the Pool 4 equipment, the facilities, and all other persons in the area for the term of the rental.

Watercraft Addendum

Some key points of this agreement are:

  • Check-in/Check-out Procedures:

    • Pool 4 reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who Pool 4 determines is not capable to operate the watercraft, or who is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any other substance.
    • Pool 4 will charge Renter a late fee for any equipment returned to Pool 4 after the rental period ends. Late fees are assessed in ten (10) minute increments and will be charged at a rate of 2.5 times the hourly contracted rate.
    • A working cell phone must be on the watercraft at all times during the rental period and the number provided to Pool 4 before departure.
  • Cancellation Policy:

    • For cancellations made more than 3 days (72 hours) before the scheduled rental period a full refund will be issued, or Renter can reschedule by calling or emailing Pool 4.
    • No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 3 days of the scheduled rental period. However, if Pool 4 is able to rent the watercraft to another renter for that allotted time period, Pool 4 will allow Renter to reschedule the rental (rescheduling must be done by phone or email).
    • Pool 4 does not allow cancellations for less than ideal weather conditions. If Pool 4 determines that conditions are unsafe due to high winds, lightning or rain, Pool 4 will call or text the Renter to cancel. Renter can reschedule the rental or be issued a full refund.
  • Operators:

    • Renter must ensure that only qualified operators (those having signed the Operator Agreement and attended the pre-departure orientation) are allowed to operate the watercraft.
  • Passengers:

    • USCG posted capacity in terms of people or pounds must not be exceeded. Capacity should be reviewed prior to rental to ensure the Renter’s group will fit within the capacity of the watercraft Renter is renting.
    • Pool 4 reserves the right to restrict the number of passengers allowed on the watercraft if the declared capacity appears to be exceeded.
    • Only passengers that have gone through the Pool 4 pre-boarding checkout are to be allowed on-board during the rental period. If a passenger arrives late they must be checked in by Pool 4 before they can be allowed on board.
  • Fuel:

    • Watercraft fuel tank will be filled prior to handover to Renter.
    • Renter must check-in the watercraft fully fueled or be charged for the fuel consumed by the watercraft during the rental period. Generally, a Pool 4 employee will meet the boat at the gas dock and assist in fueling and returning boat to slip/launch.
  • Cleaning Fees:

    • For watercraft it is expected that there will be light cleaning needed including vacuuming and wipe down of upholstery and surfaces. Anything beyond that, such as stain removal and food cleanup, will be subject to a cleaning fee.

Operators Agreement

Some key points of this agreement are:

  • Operators:

    • All Operators must view operational and safety information associated with the watercraft being operated and the body of water where being operated prior to boarding the watercraft. Operational and safety information is provided on the Pool 4 Adventures
      website.
    • Pool 4 will conduct instruction on the use of the watercraft approximately fifteen (15) minutes prior to the rental start time, all Operators must be present at this time.
    • All Operators must be at least twenty-one (21) years old, have in his or her possession a valid driver license and no violations regarding a DUI or DWI. All Operators must comply and abide by the applicable state and federal laws.
  • Watercraft Passengers:

    • See Watercraft Addendum
  • Operating Requirements:

    • No wake idle speed must be observed while inside the marina, and within designated areas marked with no wake zone buoys. No wake zone areas will be described during operator instruction.
    • Boats are only to be used during daylight hours unless a Pool 4 Adventures captain is hired to operate the watercraft.
    • Boats are not to be taken through lock and dams. It can at times take hours to get though the lock and dam and may cause you to miss your return window.
    • When cruising the Mississippi River (except in and out of marina, and in Lake Pepin) the watercraft must keep between the river channel markers. If outside the markers it is easy to hit wing dams, sand bars, etc.
    • Operators must attach the kill switch cord to their body when underway (engine on and moving).
    • When under power all passengers must be seated. In center console units without a full seat the driver may stand (wearing kill switch lanyard), but all passengers must be seated.
  • Floatation & Safety Equipment::

    • All state and federal laws must be followed specifically, United States Coast Guard rules and regulations.
    • It is the responsibility of the Renter/Operator to understand and follow each law and regulation.
    • State law requires that children under 10 must always wear a life jacket on-board unless the boat is anchored and being used as a swim platform.
    • Law enforcement officials are regularly on patrol along the Mississippi. Contact numbers and information for Pool 4 and local law enforcement will be available on the watercraft. Should the watercraft become stranded or a medical emergency occur, use cell phone to get help.
  • Water Sports:

    • Towing is only allowed on certain watercraft. See description of individual boats on Pool 4 Adventures web site for applicability.
    • No towing is allowed in main channel of river as traffic is a danger. Operator will be informed by Pool 4 of safer areas for towables during instruction period.
    • Any watercraft towing skier or tuber must be manned by at least the Operator and one (1) competent observer.
    • Skier/tuber must wear a ski vest life preserver when being towed.
  • Mechanical Issues:

    • If the watercraft does not operate correctly, call Pool 4 immediately for assistance, and return to launch if possible.
    • If stranded in main channel of the river, Renter must attempt to get the watercraft outside the shipping lane with paddle or by flagging down another boater. Renter must call law enforcement if emergency.
  • Accident:

    • Any accident or injury must be reported immediately to law enforcement and then to Pool 4.