ESCAPE TO THE LAKE / RIVERLANDS LEISURE / ANY DAY ESCAPES 

TERMS & CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Riverlands Leisure trading as Escape to the Lake / Pippa Orgee Events / Any Day Escapes
Riverlands Farm, Teme Lane, Leigh, Worcester, WR6 5JY
Email: hello@escapetothelake.co.uk
Telephone: 07983 761774
Website: escapetothelake.co.uk

These Terms & Conditions and Responsibility Statement apply to bookings, visits, swimming sessions, events, cold-water immersion, sauna use and other activities operated by Riverlands Leisure, Escape to the Lake, Pippa Orgee Events or Any Day Escapes, unless specific event or booking terms state otherwise.

By making a booking or participating in an activity at the venue, you agree to comply with these Terms & Conditions, all reasonable safety instructions and any specific requirements communicated by the venue.

1. BOOKINGS & ACCESS

1.1 All bookings are subject to availability and any applicable booking terms.

1.2 Customers must provide accurate and complete booking information, including any information reasonably required for health, safety, emergency or operational purposes.

1.3 Bookings are generally non-transferable unless otherwise agreed.

1.4 The venue may refuse or restrict participation where reasonably necessary for safety, operational, environmental or other legitimate reasons.

1.5 Participants may only access areas designated for their booking. Other lakes, farmland, buildings, equipment, storage areas or restricted areas must not be accessed unless authorised.

1.6 Participants must comply with reasonable instructions given by staff before, during and after an activity.

1.7 All visitors must remain within areas made available to them for their booking and must not enter the water or use facilities unless their booking permits it.

2. ARRIVAL, SITE ACCESS & CHECK-IN

2.1 Participants should arrive in sufficient time for check-in and any required safety procedures.

2.2 On entering through the top gate, all drivers must observe a maximum speed of 5 mph throughout all areas of the site.

2.3 The 5 mph speed limit applies to all vehicles, including cars, vans, motorcycles and other vehicles, unless a lower restriction is displayed.

2.4 Drivers must exercise particular care because pedestrians, swimmers, children, staff, visitors and other site users may be moving around the site.

2.5 Pedestrians must be given priority and sufficient space. Drivers must be prepared to stop.

2.6 Drivers must take additional care around the lake, swimming areas, parking areas, gates, buildings, farm equipment and pedestrian areas.

2.7 Vehicles must only be parked in designated areas and must not obstruct access routes, emergency access, gates, pedestrian routes or site operations.

2.8 Participants must follow all signage, parking instructions and staff directions.

2.9 Participants must scan in and out using the Sports Guardian Medical ID where required.

2.10 Late arrival may reduce participation time or, where necessary for safety or operational reasons, result in entry being refused.

2.11 Cycling or other recreational vehicle use around the site is only permitted where expressly authorised.

3. ELIGIBILITY & AGE

3.1 Participants taking part in open-water swimming must be able to swim at least 200 metres unaided and tread water.

3.2 Participants must have sufficient swimming ability, fitness, knowledge and experience for the activity they are undertaking.

3.3 Use of the sauna is restricted to persons aged 18 and over unless specific event terms state otherwise.

3.4 Swimming and cold-water immersion are not permitted during pregnancy.

3.5 Pregnant participants may attend non-swimming activities or events where these are offered and the relevant requirements are met.

3.6 Additional activity-specific age, ability and supervision requirements may apply and will be communicated where relevant.

4. HEALTH & MEDICAL SUITABILITY

4.1 Open-water swimming, cold-water immersion and sauna use place physical demands on the body and may not be suitable for everyone.

4.2 Participants should seek appropriate medical advice if they have concerns about their suitability, particularly in relation to heart or cardiovascular conditions, respiratory conditions, blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, seizures, fainting, circulation problems, significant medical conditions, recent operations, injuries or illness, or any condition or medication that may affect their response to cold, exercise, heat or immersion.

4.3 Participants with asthma should bring any prescribed and appropriately labelled inhaler or required medication.

4.4 Participants must not attend if they are acutely unwell, have a fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, an infectious illness or are otherwise medically unfit to participate.

4.5 Participants must inform staff of any relevant condition, injury, medication or circumstance that may affect safe participation or emergency care.

4.6 Staff are not medically qualified and cannot determine whether an individual is medically fit to participate. Participants remain responsible for determining their own fitness and obtaining medical advice where appropriate.

4.7 Staff may refuse, restrict or suspend participation where they reasonably believe that participation presents a safety risk.

5. OPEN-WATER SWIMMING & COLD-WATER RISKS

5.1 Open-water swimming and cold-water immersion are activities with inherent risks.

5.2 Risks may include cold-water shock, involuntary gasping or breathing difficulty, hypothermia, after-drop, exhaustion, cramps, reduced coordination or judgement, illness or infection, slips, trips and falls, cuts, bruises and other injuries, changing weather and visibility, changing water conditions, water-quality concerns, drowning and death.

5.3 Participants must assess their own ability and remain within their capabilities.

5.4 Water temperature and environmental conditions can change and may affect participants differently.

5.5 Participants must leave the water immediately if instructed to do so or if they become unable to continue safely.

5.6 Participants should familiarise themselves with designated water entry and exit points before entering the water.

6. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

All participants must:

6.1 Enter the water only at designated times and where permitted.

6.2 Follow the prescribed course and all staff instructions.

6.3 Use a tow float at all times while in the water. Tow floats may be hired from the venue for £3.

6.4 During evening or low-light sessions, use a head torch and a suitably illuminated tow float. Appropriate lighting must also be used when moving around the site where required.

6.5 Scan in and out using the Sports Guardian Medical ID where required.

6.6 Never jump or dive into the water.

6.7 Remain aware of other swimmers and summon assistance if another participant appears to be in difficulty.

6.8 Exit the water or activity area immediately when instructed, including during an emergency evacuation.

6.9 Report any accident, injury, illness, near miss or safety incident to staff as soon as reasonably possible.

6.10 Take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others.

6.11 Observe the 5 mph maximum speed limit throughout the site and exercise particular caution around pedestrians, swimmers, children, staff and visitors.

6.12 Not participate while under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs or any substance that may impair judgement, coordination or ability to participate safely.

6.13 Follow any additional safety requirements communicated by staff or displayed on site.

6.14 Treat staff and other participants respectfully and behave in a manner that does not unnecessarily put others at risk or unreasonably interfere with their enjoyment of the venue.

6.15 Participants should familiarise themselves with the location of relevant safety and emergency equipment before entering the water where this information is provided by the venue.

7. WEATHER, WATER CONDITIONS & SESSION CHANGES

7.1 Outdoor activities are affected by weather, water and environmental conditions.

7.2 The venue may alter, restrict, postpone, shorten, suspend or cancel an activity where conditions are unsuitable or unsafe.

7.3 Reasons may include severe weather, lightning or storms, high winds, poor visibility, unsuitable water temperature or conditions, water-quality concerns, environmental hazards, equipment or facility problems, staffing or operational issues, emergencies, maintenance, capacity or site restrictions, or circumstances outside the venue’s reasonable control.

7.4 Where the venue cancels or materially changes a booking, any refund, credit or rescheduling will be dealt with in accordance with the applicable booking terms and consumer rights.

7.5 Participants must follow any staff instruction to leave the water or activity area immediately during severe weather, lightning or other emergency conditions.

8. AFTER-DROP & COLD-WATER RECOVERY

8.1 Participants are strongly encouraged to remain on site for at least 30 minutes after swimming because body temperature may continue to fall after leaving cold water.

8.2 Participants should dry thoroughly, dress appropriately and warm gradually.

8.3 Participants must tell staff if they experience persistent or severe shivering, confusion, dizziness, weakness, difficulty speaking, unusual tiredness or any other concerning symptoms.

8.4 Participants should seek medical assistance where necessary.

8.5 Participants should follow any venue guidance regarding safe and gradual rewarming following cold-water immersion.

9. SAUNA

9.1 Sauna use is optional and restricted to participants aged 18 and over unless specific event terms state otherwise.

9.2 Participants must follow all sauna safety instructions.

9.3 Participants should drink sufficient water before, during and after sauna use.

9.4 Participants must leave the sauna if they feel unwell, dizzy, faint, nauseous, excessively hot or otherwise unable to continue safely.

9.5 The sauna must not be used while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair judgement or ability.

9.6 Participants should seek appropriate medical advice if they have a health condition or other concern that may affect their suitability for sauna use.

9.7 Swimwear, appropriate sauna attire and a towel must be used as directed by the venue.

9.8 Jewellery, watches and other items that may become excessively hot should be removed before entering the sauna.

9.9 Only materials permitted by the venue may be placed on or around the sauna heater. Water may only be added to sauna stones where expressly permitted.

9.10 Sauna heaters, stones and surrounding surfaces can become extremely hot and may cause serious burns. Participants must not touch the heater or stones and must follow all instructions regarding safe use of the sauna.

9.11 Participants must not remain in the sauna if they become uncomfortable or feel that they are overheating.

9.12 Wetsuits, neoprene swimwear and other insulating water-sports clothing must not be worn in the sauna.

9.13 Participants must use a towel on sauna benches where required by the venue.

9.14 Glass containers must not be taken into the sauna.

9.15 Participants should avoid taking phones or other electronic devices into the sauna because heat may damage them and, in some circumstances, create a safety risk.

9.16 Participants must behave respectfully towards other sauna users and follow any venue-specific sauna etiquette or instructions.

10. WATER HYGIENE & BIOSECURITY

10.1 Participants should avoid swallowing lake water.

10.2 Participants must not enter the water if they have an infectious illness, significant open wound or other condition that may present a water-quality or public-health risk.

10.3 Cuts and abrasions should be appropriately covered with a waterproof dressing where appropriate.

10.4 Participants should wash their hands after swimming and before eating.

10.5 Swimwear and equipment should be cleaned and dried between swims where required.

10.6 Participants must follow any biosecurity requirements, including requirements relating to equipment used in other bodies of water.

10.7 Equipment may be inspected where reasonably necessary for water quality, safety or biosecurity purposes.

10.8 Contact lenses: Participants who wear contact lenses should consider removing them before entering the water, particularly where there is a risk of water entering the eyes. Participants who choose to swim wearing contact lenses should take appropriate precautions and remain aware of the potential risks of eye irritation or infection.

11. SITE, FARM & LAKESIDE SAFETY

11.1 The venue is a rural/farm environment and may contain natural or uneven ground, mud, grass, gravel, slopes, wet surfaces, vegetation, wildlife, farm equipment and other environmental hazards.

11.2 The maximum driving speed throughout the site is 5 mph from the top gate onwards.

11.3 Drivers must remain alert because pedestrians, swimmers, children, staff, visitors and others may be moving around the site.

11.4 Drivers must reduce speed further where necessary and be prepared to stop for pedestrians or other site users.

11.5 Participants must take reasonable care when moving around the site and use designated paths and areas where provided.

11.6 Participants must not enter restricted areas, other lakes, farmland, farm buildings, storage areas, machinery areas or other restricted locations unless authorised.

11.7 Participants must take care around vehicles, farm machinery, fencing, gates, buildings, structures and site equipment.

11.8 Glass is not permitted in or immediately around swimming and sauna areas.

11.9 Nudity is not permitted where it may reasonably affect other participants, visitors, staff or members of the public.

11.10 Amplified music or activities that unreasonably disturb participants, neighbours, wildlife or site operations are not permitted unless authorised.

11.11 Participants must respect wildlife, nesting birds, vegetation and the rural environment and must not deliberately disturb animals or damage flora or fauna.

11.12 Rubbish must be placed in appropriate bins or removed from the site.

11.13 Self-lit fires and BBQs are not permitted unless expressly authorised by the venue.

11.14 Wet, muddy, icy or otherwise slippery surfaces may be present around the site, particularly near water and during adverse weather. Participants must take appropriate care.

11.15 Smoking and vaping are not permitted in areas where the venue prohibits them. Participants must follow any designated smoking-area requirements.

12. DOGS

12.1 No dogs are permitted except appropriately registered assistance dogs, unless expressly authorised by the venue.

12.2 Where dogs are expressly permitted, owners remain responsible for their control, behaviour, waste and any damage or injury caused, subject to applicable law.

13. EQUIPMENT

13.1 Participants are responsible for ensuring that their own equipment is suitable, safe and appropriate for the activity.

13.2 Participants must comply with all equipment requirements communicated by the venue.

13.3 Staff may inspect, restrict or refuse equipment that they reasonably consider unsuitable or unsafe.

13.4 Venue equipment must not be misused.

13.5 Participants must not use inflatables, watercraft or other recreational equipment unless expressly permitted for the relevant activity, location and session.

14. EMERGENCIES, LIFEGUARDS & FIRST AID

14.1 Staff include RLSS Open Water trained lifeguards and first-aid/emergency-response trained staff.

14.2 Appropriately trained staff may provide first aid, rescue or emergency support within their training, competence and venue procedures.

14.3 Staff may take reasonable action, including directing or assisting participants to leave the water or an area, where necessary for safety.

14.4 Staff may contact the emergency services where reasonably necessary.

14.5 No guarantee is made regarding the outcome of any first aid, rescue or emergency assistance.

14.6 Further medical assessment, diagnosis and treatment remain the responsibility of the relevant healthcare professional or emergency service.

14.7 Participants must follow staff instructions and provide relevant information reasonably required to assist with emergency care.

14.8 Participants should familiarise themselves with designated water entry and exit points and the location of relevant safety and emergency equipment before entering the water where this information is provided by the venue.

Emergency: 999
Venue: Riverlands Farm, Teme Lane, Leigh, Worcester, WR6 5JY
What3Words: HONEYBEES.CRYSTALS.CRUNCHES

15. PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

15.1 Photographs and video may be taken at the venue for promotional and marketing purposes, including use on the website and social media channels, subject to applicable consent and privacy requirements.

15.2 Participants who do not wish to be photographed or filmed for promotional purposes should notify staff before participation.

15.3 Participants must respect the privacy of others and must not deliberately record identifiable individuals where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy or where the venue’s rules prohibit such recording.

15.4 Separate consent requirements may apply where required by law or where the venue specifically requests consent.

15.5 Drones must not be operated from or over the site unless expressly authorised by the venue.

16. PARKING & PERSONAL BELONGINGS

16.1 Participants must park only in designated areas and follow staff instructions.

16.2 The 5 mph speed limit continues to apply in parking and vehicle areas.

16.3 Parking may be limited and is subject to availability.

16.4 Participants remain responsible for their personal belongings and vehicles.

16.5 The venue is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to personal belongings or vehicles except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

17. CANCELLATIONS, RESCHEDULING & MISSED SESSIONS

17.1 Requests to reschedule should normally be made with at least 48 hours’ notice and are subject to availability, unless different booking terms apply.

17.2 Requests made within 48 hours may not be accommodated.

17.3 Missed sessions are non-refundable unless otherwise required by law or applicable booking terms.

17.4 Arriving too late to participate safely may be treated as a missed session.

17.5 Where the venue cancels a session, refunds, credits or rescheduling will be dealt with in accordance with the applicable booking terms and consumer rights.

17.6 Events, memberships and special bookings may be subject to separate terms.

18. LIABILITY & CONSUMER RIGHTS

18.1 Participants acknowledge that open-water swimming, cold-water immersion, sauna use and other activities may involve inherent risks.

18.2 Participants are responsible for exercising reasonable care, considering their own ability and following reasonable safety instructions.

18.3 The venue will take reasonable care and use reasonable skill in providing its activities and services.

18.4 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or restricts liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.

18.5 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects statutory consumer rights.

18.6 To the extent permitted by law, the venue is not responsible for loss, injury, damage or expense arising from circumstances outside its reasonable control or from a participant’s failure to follow reasonable safety instructions, participation outside their abilities, or failure to provide relevant information reasonably required for safe participation.

18.7 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence where doing so would be unlawful.

18.8 Participants may be responsible, subject to applicable law, for deliberate or negligent damage they cause to venue property or equipment.

19. PRIVACY

19.1 Personal information is handled in accordance with the venue’s Privacy Policy.

19.2 Information may be used for bookings and payments, memberships, communications, safety and emergency purposes, attendance records, legal or regulatory requirements and other purposes described in the Privacy Policy.

19.3 Information may be shared with appropriate third parties where reasonably necessary, including payment providers, booking platforms, emergency services and professional advisers.

Privacy Policy: escapetothelake.co.uk/privacy-policy/

20. COMPLAINTS

20.1 Concerns should be raised with staff as soon as reasonably possible so that they can be addressed where possible.

20.2 Formal complaints should be sent to: hello@escapetothelake.co.uk

20.3 Complaints will be considered fairly and responded to within a reasonable period.

21. GENERAL

21.1 These Terms & Conditions may be updated where reasonably necessary for legal, operational, environmental or safety reasons.

21.2 Unless otherwise stated, the version applicable at the time of booking will normally apply to that booking.

21.3 If any provision is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.

21.4 These Terms & Conditions are governed by the law of England and Wales.

21.5 Nothing in these Terms & Conditions removes or restricts any consumer rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded.

22. PARTICIPANT DECLARATION

By booking or participating at Escape to the Lake / Riverlands Leisure / Any Day Escapes, I confirm that:

• I have read and understood these Terms & Conditions and Responsibility Statement.
• I understand the nature and risks associated with open-water swimming, cold-water immersion and sauna use where applicable.
• I am sufficiently able, fit and prepared for the activity I am undertaking.
• The information I have provided to the venue is accurate and complete.
• I will seek appropriate medical advice if I have concerns about my suitability to participate.
• I will follow all safety instructions and reasonable directions given by staff.
• I will remain within my own abilities and take reasonable care for my own safety and the safety of others.
• I will tell staff if I become unwell, excessively cold, injured, distressed or unable to continue safely.
• I understand and will comply with the 5 mph maximum speed limit throughout the site and will take particular care around pedestrians, swimmers, children, staff and visitors.

GROUP BOOKINGS

For group bookings, the booking organiser named in the booking confirms that they have received confirmation from each end user that they have read, understood and agree to the Escape to the Lake / Riverlands Leisure / Any Day Escapes Terms & Conditions and Responsibility Statement.

The booking organiser is responsible for ensuring that these Terms & Conditions and relevant safety requirements have been provided or made available to participants before the session.

Each participant remains responsible for reading and complying with these Terms & Conditions, following safety instructions and providing accurate information relevant to their own participation.

For bookings involving under-18s, the organiser must ensure that the relevant parent, guardian or responsible adult has been informed of and agrees to the applicable requirements.

By completing a group booking, the organiser confirms that the booking information is accurate and complete and that the relevant Terms & Conditions and safety requirements have been communicated to the participants.