Taking friends, rental guests or a group out on your boat or pontoon is fun right up until someone slips on the deck or gets hurt tubing. A passenger waiver section is a simple way to make sure every adult on board has agreed to the safety rules before you leave the dock.
Copy the terms below into the property-specific section of a full release, such as our free liability waiver template. This template is written for passengers. If guests will drive the boat themselves, rental, licensing and insurance rules usually apply, so talk to your insurer and a local attorney first.
How to use this template
- Start with a full release of liability. Simple Waivers includes one, and you can read it on the free liability waiver template page.
- Copy the boat terms below and edit them to match your property and rules.
- Add them as the property-specific section, then send guests one link or QR code to sign before they arrive.
Boat waiver terms (free to copy)
Boat Passenger Terms. I understand that riding on a boat and taking part in water activities such as swimming from the boat, tubing, wakeboarding or skiing involve risks including falls on a moving or wet deck, being thrown from the boat, propeller injuries, collisions, drowning, changing weather and water conditions, and delayed emergency response on the water. I take part at my own risk. I agree to follow all instructions from the boat operator, to wear a properly fitted, approved life jacket whenever the operator requires it and at all times while being towed, and to stay seated while the boat is moving unless the operator says otherwise. I will not enter the water while the engine is running or near the propeller. I will not drink alcohol or use drugs to the point of impairment while on board, and I understand the operator may refuse to take anyone who appears impaired. Children must wear a life jacket and be supervised by a responsible adult at all times, and I accept responsibility for supervising any minors in my group. I understand that only the Organizer or a person the Organizer authorizes may operate the boat.
This is sample wording to start from, not legal advice and not a guarantee of protection. Edit it to fit your property, and have an attorney licensed where your property is located review it before you rely on it.
What these terms cover
- Deck, towing and propeller risks that generic waivers do not mention.
- A duty to follow the operator's instructions.
- Life jacket rules for towing and for children.
- Staying seated while underway and clear of the propeller.
- Who is allowed to drive the boat.
Tips before you use it
- Give a short safety talk before leaving the dock and point out the life jackets, throwable cushion and fire extinguisher.
- If you tow tubes or skiers, have a spotter, which many states require.
- If you rent the boat out for guests to operate, this template is not enough. Check licensing, rental and insurance rules first.
- Check your state's boater education and life jacket rules for children.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a waiver to take friends on my boat?
That is a decision for you, ideally with your insurer and an attorney. Many owners use one so each adult acknowledges the risks and the safety rules. Insurance is still the main protection, so check what yours covers for guests.
Can rental guests drive my boat if they sign a waiver?
A waiver does not make that safe or legal on its own. Letting guests operate a boat can trigger rental, licensing and insurance requirements. Talk to your insurer and a local attorney before allowing it.
Does this template cover tubing and wakeboarding?
It names towed activities and includes a life jacket rule while being towed. Add any rules specific to your equipment.
More free waiver templates
More on this use case: waivers for boats and lake days and choosing a waiver app for your rental.
Have guests sign it on their phone
Create a waiver in Simple Waivers, tick Property-Specific Terms, paste this text, and share one link or QR code. Every signature is saved as a PDF. Free for 10 waivers a month, no card required.
This template is general information, not legal advice, and is provided as a starting point only. Waiver enforceability depends on the law where your activity takes place, and some states and provinces limit waivers or waivers signed for minors. Edit it to match your property and have a licensed attorney in your area review it before you rely on it. Simple Waivers is a software provider and is not a party to any waiver you collect.