Cold Water Dip: Health and Safety Guidance and Terms and Conditions

Part A: Health and Safety Guidance

Participant Eligibility:

• Participants must be 18 years or older on the day of the event.
• Participants must be in good physical and mental health.
• The Event is not suitable for individuals who:
• Have heart conditions, circulatory or respiratory conditions (including asthma)
• Have a history of fainting, seizures or cold shock
• Are pregnant
• Are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Participants are responsible for seeking medical advice if unsure whether cold water immersion is appropriate for them.

Medical Declaration:

By taking part, participants confirm that:

• They are medically fit to participate
• They understand the risks associated with cold water immersion
• They will immediately withdraw if they feel unwell before or during the activity

Cold Water Safety Risks:

Cold water immersion carries risks including:

• Cold shock response
• Hypothermia
• Muscle cramping
• Reduced swimming ability
• Slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
• Participants must familiarise themselves with these risks before taking part.

Safety Requirements:

Participants must:

• Only take part at approved locations or locations that meet local safety guidance
• Never dip alone – a minimum of one responsible adult observer must be present
• Enter the water slowly and under control
• Remain in the water for a short, sensible duration appropriate to water temperature and experience.
• Exit the water immediately if experiencing dizziness, pain, numbness or difficulty breathing.

Clothing and Equipment

Participants are advised to:

• Wear appropriate swimwear or wetsuits
• Wear water shoes where surfaces are uneven
• Bring warm clothing, towels, and hot (non-alcoholic) drinks for after the dip
• Dry off and warm up immediately after exiting the water.

Environmental Conditions

Participants must:

• Check weather, tide, and water conditions in advance.
• Avoid swimming in fast-flowing rivers, rough seas or unsafe conditions
• Always follow local authority and environmental guidance

Emergency Procedures

• A mobile phone must be accessible in case of emergency
• In an emergency, participants or observers should call 999 and ask for the appropriate emergency service (Coastguard for sea locations)
• Basic first aid knowledge is strongly recommended for observers
   

Part B: Terms and Conditions

Acceptance of Risk

By registering for or taking part in the Event, participants acknowledge that:

• Cold water immersion is inherently risky
• They participate entirely at their own risk
• Centrepoint is not responsible for personal injury, illness, or death, except where caused by negligence that cannot be legally excluded

Responsibility and Liability

Participants agree that:

• They are responsible for their own safety and actions
• Centrepoint does not provide supervision, lifeguards, or medical cover unless explicitly stated
• Centrepoint accepts no liability for loss or damage to personal belongings
• Fundraising and Donations
• All funds raised are in support of Centrepoint
• Donations are non-refundable
• Participants should not use misleading or coercive fundraising methods
• Gift Aid may only be claimed where eligible and with correct donor consent
• Insurance
• Centrepoint insurance does not extend to cover individual participant injury
• Participants are encouraged to ensure they have appropriate personal insurance

Code of Conduct

Participants must:

• Behave responsibly and respectfully
• Follow safety guidance and instructions
• Not endanger themselves or others
• Avoid bringing the charity into disrepute
• Centrepoint reserves the right to exclude participants who fail to comply

Cancellation or Withdrawal

• Participants may withdraw at any time
• Centrepoint may cancel or amend the Event for safety or operational reasons
• Fundraising pledges remain payable unless donors choose otherwise

Data Protection

• Personal data will be processed in line with Centrepoint’s Privacy Policy
• Data will be used for administration, safety and fundraising purposes only

Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.