If you are thinking about renting kayaks at a beach rental, here are some things to keep in mind. These issues will include insurance, paddling conditions, and the possibility of drowning. You should also know that there is a waiver requirement and other liability issues to consider. Read on to learn more about these concerns. You might also be able to find liability insurance for kayak rentals at a park.
Insurance requirements
There are several insurance policies that may be required for kayak rentals. Commercial Auto Insurance (also known as E&O Insurance) is important for kayak rental businesses because employees may be exposed to injury and damage when entering or inspecting watercraft. Worker’s Compensation Insurance (also known as Workers’ Comp) is also required in most states. Both policies cover accidents, but it’s a good idea to check with your insurance agent for details.
If you own a kayak worth more than $1500, you’ll need supplemental insurance coverage. You’ll probably need to pay a small premium for a supplemental policy. Such a policy is generally “value based” and the policyholder determines the appropriate value. If the kayak is not insured, the insurer will do an appraisal, but you would still receive a payout of the agreed-upon value.
Water sports are associated with the highest risks of injury. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death, and occurs more frequently in the summer months. As you might imagine, teens and adults are among the most likely to drown in natural water bodies. Diving accidents are also common, and five percent of spinal cord injuries are attributed to accidents while diving. Water rental businesses have a higher risk of slip and fall accidents, as customers may return rentals wet and bring water onto the premises.
Paddling conditions
The type of kayak to rent should depend on paddling conditions. If you are renting kayaks in an area where the winds are high, you may not be able to paddle in such conditions. If you are kayaking on an open area, you will need a sit-on-top kayak. If you are renting kayaks in a calm, protected area, you may not be able to paddle in a windy area.
To avoid any liability concerns, a kayak rental business should provide paddles with proper instruction. They should also require customers to sign liability waiver forms to protect themselves and the kayak rental company. This type of form can be drawn up by an attorney or insurance company. Paddlers should also consider the size of the kayaks that they rent. If you are renting kayaks for an extended period of time, you should make sure to return it on time. Paddling conditions are another liability concern when renting kayaks at a beach rental.
Drowning risk
One kayak rental business in Rochester, Minnesota, reported a 300 percent increase in sales over the last year. More people are choosing to stay closer to home and opt for activities that fit social distancing guidelines. However, with increasing customer numbers, the risks of accidents and injuries are greater than ever. The most common type of injury associated with water rental activities is slip and fall. Accidents can occur even if customers do not return rental kayaks or rafts in a dry condition.
One kayaking accident in Wisconsin involved a man and a child. The two kayakers, Bill Gromley and Thomas Gregoire, were not wearing life vests. Gromley was unable to swim in the water at 40 degrees, and he drowned. Another kayaker, Thomas Gregoire, fell into the water after his kayak capsized and struck a tugboat. Despite numerous search efforts, the man’s body is still missing.
Another drowning risk for kayakers is the danger of being attacked by wild animals. Large animals can easily de-float kayaks. Small animals can also knock kayakers off balance. It is always advisable to wear a life jacket and a wetsuit while kayaking. The water temperature is about 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit on April 15th. And it’s important to wear a life jacket or a life preserver, as these will save your life if you do fall in the water.
Waiver requirement
Before renting kayaks, you should check if you meet the minimum age requirements. In general, a child must be at least eight years old and must be accompanied by an adult. Children between nine and fifteen must be supervised by an adult, and if they are 16 years old and over, they can paddle alone. The waiver must be signed by the parent or guardian of the minor. Also, you must be physically fit and able to complete basic tasks safely. Ideally, you should have prior experience paddling kayaks on flat water. Then, you should demonstrate your proficiency before entering the water.
When renting kayaks at a beach rental, you must meet the minimum age requirements. In some locations, this age requirement is as low as eight years old. You can rent kayaks at the beach, but you should be at least eight years old to sign the waiver. You can check whether a particular beach rental requires a waiver before renting kayaks. If not, you’ll be charged for every additional hour that you use.
Before renting kayaks, you should be aware of the rules of the canal. Kayaks are considered watercraft and require you to know how to swim. You should also be wearing a life jacket at all times. Kayaks should not be used as diving platforms. Always pay attention to the depth of the water, conditions, and other watercraft. If you have any of these symptoms, you’re better off staying home instead of risking your life.
General liability coverage
Insure the equipment you rent. Some homeowners insurance policies cover kayaks, and others exclude this coverage. Some policies will not cover kayaks if they are used outside the US. In addition, some policies will not cover accidents involving water backup, war, or ice. This can leave kayaking guests without insurance if an accident occurs. Contact your insurance agent to learn more about available coverage. You can also choose to buy a boat insurance policy, which will cover any damages or injuries caused by kayaking.
Beach rental businesses should purchase supplemental kayak coverage. It is generally an “itemized” line item on the policy, and may require an additional premium. This coverage pays the value of the kayak in case of an accident or theft. The insurer may conduct an appraisal to determine the value of the kayak. It’s important to agree on this value with your insurance company before purchasing supplemental insurance. If your insurance provider doesn’t agree, you’ll be out of business for awhile.
Before deciding on insurance, check the model of the kayaks you plan to rent. If the kayaks you rent are less than $1500, your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover them. But if you plan to use them for business purposes, you may need to purchase a separate liability policy. Many insurers classify kayaks as sports equipment and may exclude them from coverage if you rent them to customers. If you’re unsure, speak to your insurance agent to see if the company has adequate coverage for your kayaks.
Insurance for waterfront properties
If you’re thinking of buying a waterfront property, you’ll want to be sure that the seawall is stable and properly set up before you get the insurance policy. Waterfront properties can also be in a very popular location, and this may help you attract more visitors. Be aware that property lines extend to the mean high water mark, and low tide is public property. Rising water levels can affect a waterfront community, and you should consult the FEMA flood map before purchasing the policy. Also, if you rent your property out, it might be wise to consider purchasing a seawall specialist, who will assess your risks and formulate a plan to protect your land from erosion.
Before purchasing an insurance policy, you should know what it costs. Some policies cover only the waterfront area, while others may cover the entire waterfront area. Some insurance companies offer insurance for waterfront properties, and many even include flood and wind insurance. However, these types of insurance may be expensive. Make sure you’re well aware of the cost of insurance for waterfront properties and kayaks so that you can avoid overpaying later. It’s worth it to protect yourself and your belongings – especially if you enjoy kayaking or waterfront living.
You should also consider the cost of waterfront maintenance. Salt in the air can erode stone and rust metal. Extreme humidity also erodes basement drywall. And, because you live near the water, you should take the proper precautions to prevent invasive species and mold growth. Waterfront homeowners will need to pay a higher premium for insurance, so make sure you’ve included this in your budget. And, of course, don’t forget that kayaking is an expensive hobby, so make sure you’re adequately covered for it.
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