Open water is not a pool. Depth changes, there is no clear bottom, boats pass by, and guests love to jump off the end of the dock. If your rental or lake home has a dock, a waiver section written for open water swimming covers risks a pool waiver misses.
Copy the terms below into the property-specific section of a full release, such as our free liability waiver template.
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 dock and lake swimming 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.
Dock and Lake Swimming waiver terms (free to copy)
Dock and Lake Terms. I understand that using the dock, shoreline and lake involves risks including slipping or falling from the dock, injuries from jumping or diving into water of unknown or changing depth, hidden objects such as rocks, logs and debris, drowning, cold water, currents, passing boats, wildlife, and water quality conditions such as algae or bacteria. No lifeguard is on duty, and I and every person in my group use the dock and lake at our own risk. I agree not to dive headfirst from the dock or shore, and to jump only feet first and only where the Organizer has said it is allowed. I will not swim alone, at night, during storms or lightning, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and I will stay out of boat traffic areas. Children must wear a properly fitted life jacket and be actively watched by a responsible adult at all times while on the dock or in the water, and I accept responsibility for supervising any minors in my group. I will stay off any part of the dock that is damaged or marked closed, and I will tell the Organizer right away about any loose boards, exposed nails or other hazards.
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
- Open water risks such as unknown depth, hidden objects, cold water and boat traffic.
- A no headfirst diving rule, the most common cause of serious dock injuries.
- No swimming alone, at night, in storms or while impaired.
- Life jackets and active supervision for children.
- A duty to stay off damaged sections and report hazards.
Tips before you use it
- Mark where jumping is allowed and the depth there, and update it if water levels change during the season.
- Keep a ring buoy or throwable flotation device mounted on the dock.
- If your lake has algae advisories, tell guests where to check current conditions.
- Pair this with the kayak and paddleboard terms if guests can use watercraft from the dock.
Frequently asked questions
Do lake house rentals need a waiver?
That is a decision for you, ideally with your insurer and an attorney. Many waterfront hosts use one so every adult guest acknowledges the open water risks and the dock rules. A waiver works alongside insurance, not instead of it.
Can I ban diving off my dock?
Yes. Make it a house rule, post it on the dock and have guests agree to it in the waiver. Headfirst dives into shallow or unknown water cause many serious spinal injuries.
Is a waiver enough if someone gets hurt at my dock?
No waiver guarantees protection. It can help with ordinary negligence claims in many states, but it does not cover gross negligence, and a dock in poor repair is a problem a waiver will not fix. Have a local attorney review your wording.
More free waiver templates
More on this use case: waivers for vacation rentals 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.