The WCA’s Board of Directors and Outings Committee has been reviewing our club policy on allowing non-members on club outings. Currently, non-members, at the organizer’s discretion, may be allowed to participate in an outing. We have discussed liability issues arising from non-members on club outings with our insurer. Their position is that if a non-member is allowed on a club outing, they ask that we have the person sign our WCA waiver of liability form (see attachment). Our club’s philosophy is that the benefits of membership, including participation in our outings program, are readily apparent from our website, and that our membership fee is modest compared to other paddling and outdoors clubs. Consequently, we have concluded that going forward participation in WCA outings should be limited to members and a sponsored guest of a member who is accompanying the individual on the outing. For example, members would be able to bring a family member or friend to paddle with them on a trip. People with no such personal attachment to a member will be asked to join our community of paddlers to enjoy the benefits of membership.
If a family member or friend is accompanying a club member on an outing, the organizer should have the guest sign our waiver form and scan & email, or mail it to the Outings Chairman (Bill Ness) to be retained on file. Alternatively, the organizer may delegate this responsibility to the member bringing the guest.
We hope that you will understand the reasons for this policy and support it.
Bill Ness & Mary Perkins
WCA Outings Committee