Safety for water users at Lee Valley White Water Centre

What should I expect?  

• We’ll take good care of you from the moment you arrive. Please arrive at your booked time as this is the check-in time at our reception. Please do not arrive at reception before this; additional time has been allocated within this check-in to allow for potential queues at our reception and changing rooms. One of our qualified members of staff will kit you out with all the equipment and clothing you’ll need and introduce you to your instructor and group for the relevant session you have booked.  
• Your instructor will run through a full safety briefing and demonstrate the basics of your activity before taking you onto the lake. For white water activities you’ll also take part in an activity assessment which includes a swim assessment. During this we’ll cover rescue techniques, paddling techniques and how to protect yourself in moving water. From this point on its action all the way!  

Is there a minimum age to take part in the activities?  

• Each activity has a minimum age restriction, please check this information before booking.  
• Rodeo Rafting the minimum age is 14 years  
• Rafting Unleashed the minimum age is 12 years  
• Family Rafting the minimum age is 8 years  
• Hydrospeeding and Hot Dog sessions the minimum age is 12 years  
• For all other activities, participants will need to be a minimum of 8 years of age  
• Participants under the age of 16 will also need a parent or legal guardian accompanying them whilst at the venue.  
• All participants under 18 years of age will need a completed parental consent form to take part in any moving water based activity on the Legacy Course or the Olympic Course.  

Is there a weight limit?  

• To take part in all activities you must be under 18 stone.  

What do I need to bring?  

• All necessary equipment is provided unless otherwise stated – just bring your swimsuit and a towel. However, if you’d prefer to bring your own wet boots and/or wetsuit, our instructors will check they’re suitable for the activity. Wetsuits must be full length and wet boots must cover your ankle). Free lockers are available for you to store all your belongings.  

What time do I need to arrive at the centre and how long should I allow for my experience?  

• Your booked time is the check-in at our reception. Please do not arrive at reception before this; additional time has been allocated within this check-in to allow for potential queues at our reception and changing rooms. Please refer to information of the activity you’re taking part in for session lengths by choosing the activity from our activities page.  

I have a disability, can I take part?  

• Yes, wherever possible we offer equal access to all people. Please contact the centre to discuss your individual disabilities and requirements.  

I'm bringing a group of children to take part in an activity at your centre. Can I sign the parent consent form for children that I am not the parent/legal guardian of?  

• No. You can download the parental consent form and have it completed by each child’s parent/legal guardian prior to your visit and hand it into reception on the day of the activity.  

If I require medication can I still take part?  

• We advise that you check with your GP before taking part in any of our activities. Please bring any medication that you may need with you on the day (for example inhalers and epi pens).  

Do I need to be able to swim?  

• For all white water activities you’ll need to be able to adopt and maintain the Defensive Swim Position, an orientated body position away from danger (lying on back, feet down stream, with legs kept up on/near the water’s surface). To see what this entails please see our video on our participation requirements found in the essential information section. For lake activities water confidence is required with the use of a buoyancy aid.  

Do I need to be fit?  

• A reasonable level of fitness is required to take part in any physical activity.  

Can I wear my glasses?  

• If glasses are a necessity for the participant of the activity plastic lenses or contact lenses are preferred for your safety. The venue cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. Prescription goggles can be worn. 

What happens if I fall out?  

• Dependant on your activity you could well take a tumble into our rapids, so be prepared. Our bank safety team will be on hand to rescue you and safely help you out of the water before helping you back to join your group. You’ll have been taught the safe swimming position and how to get out of the water in your earlier activity assessment.  

Can I bring a camera or 'Go Pro'?  

• For safety reasons we don’t allow anyone to attach anything to themselves as this could increase the risk of entrapment or collision with other participants. Therefore chest harnesses and helmet mounts are not allowed. The best option is to give the camera to your support crew.