COVID-19 PADDLING SAFETY POLICIES
The following is a short summary of the policies and procedures instituted at The WaterFront Center (WFC) that will create a safe environment while providing an enjoyable paddling experience for our customers and our staff. This page will be immediately updated with any revisions to these policies.
** We are closely monitoring the situation and all policies are subject to change. **
Social Distancing & Personal Hygiene
All participants are required to wear face masks in public areas, on our facilities, and on the boat especially when maintaining a 6 foot distance is not possible. Face masks will not be provided, however the WFC Buff will be available for purchase.
All persons must maintain a 6-foot distance between staff and other customers as much as possible, except when those persons are from the same household.
Signage will be provided to remind customers when masks/face coverings will be required and how to properly maintain a 6 foot distance.
We ask customers that there be no loitering and/or congregating in large groups. Participants are expected to arrive shortly before their reservation start time and to leave promptly afterwards.
No person(s) will be allowed to participant in programs at The WaterFront Center if they are exhibiting symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Participants are required to have quarantined for at least 14 days since they last experienced symptoms and/or tested positive for COVID-19.
Cleaning and Sanitation
Hand Sanitizer will be available for customer and staff use.
Service Desks, hand rails, and other high contact areas will be cleaned frequently by staff throughout the day.
Staff are required to wash their hands before, after, and throughout the day.
Kayaks, paddleboards, life jackets, paddles, and other gear will be cleaned and sanitized after every use. High contact areas will be emphasized during cleaning.
Paddle Rentals & Reservations
Only reservations will be accepted at this time.
Reservations can be made over the phone (516) 922-7245 or online at TheWaterFrontCenter.org up to 30 minutes before an available appointment spot.
Payments will be handled online or through the app. No physical payments will be accepted.
All participants must sign the Online Waiver on their account to participate
Arriving for your Paddle Reservation
Arrive 15-minutes before your scheduled appointment. There will not be a refund on time missed on your rental due to late arrival. Requires a Reservations be made over the phone (516) 922-7245 or online at TheWaterFrontCenter.org
Head to the Paddle Rental Dispatch desk and follow signs to queue properly if there is a line ahead of you.
Once you have checked-in with Dispatch, pick up a freshly cleaned life jacket
Head down the ramp to the kayak dock and follow signs to queue properly if there is a line ahead of you.
Follow staff instructions when boarding your kayak or paddleboard. Follow all rules and stay within the safe kayaking bounds while out on the water.
Once you have landed back at the Kayak Dock, promptly head back to the dispatch desk and drop off your life jackets at the dispatch desk.
Please promptly depart the premises once all WFC gear has been returned.
Paddle Etiquette & Safety
Life jackets must be worn during the entirety of your paddle rental. That includes on the pier, the ramp, docks, and abord the kayak/SUP.
Paddle within the bounds of the paddle safety area and avoid hazardous areas.
Beaching the kayak and walking on shore is not recommended, as customers are responsible for any damage sustained to WFC equipment during their rental that is beyond expected normal ware and tare from intended use.
Plan your trip accordingly so that you can return to the dock by/before the end of your rental reservation. Time spent on the water over your reservation time will result in an additional overage charge at double the rental rate. (i.e. 15 minutes over the single kayak reservation will result in an additional $10 overage charge. 1 hour over the single kayak reservation will result in an additional $40 overage charge.)
Staff will be monitoring and patrolling the waters to enforce paddle etiquette and returning times.
Bad Weather Conditions
The WaterFront Center reserves the right to cancel and refund any reservations due to bad weather conditions for the consideration of the safety of our customers and staff.
If bad weather appears while you are on the water staff will assist you in returning to shore. Participants are expected to return to their personal vehicles until the weather passes. If participants do not have a personal vehicle or can not get to shelter, The WaterFront Center will provide a shelter space with social distancing areas marked out 6 feet apart.
Customers will be refunding the unused amount of time for their rental.
For additional questions and policies visit our Frequently Asked Questions page and/or contact us at Info@thewaterfrontcenter.org
