ZOETIC RIVER

Participant Agreement & Liability Waiver

This Participant Agreement & Liability Waiver (“Agreement”) applies to all individuals who enter the Zoetic River property or participate in any retreat, workshop, class, event, private session, volunteer activity, recreational activity, rental, or other offering hosted by Zoetic River and/or Ars Vivendi LLC.

By acknowledging this Agreement during registration or otherwise participating in activities at Zoetic River, you confirm that you have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to the following terms.

1. Voluntary Participation

Participation in all activities at Zoetic River is entirely voluntary.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Meditation and mindfulness practices

  • Silent retreats and contemplative experiences

  • Yoga and movement classes

  • Hiking and walking meditation

  • Kayaking, canoeing, swimming, snorkeling, floating, and other river activities

  • Art workshops and creative experiences

  • Sound meditation and relaxation practices

  • Educational presentations and group discussions

  • Animal interactions

  • Volunteer activities

  • Self-guided recreation

  • Other wellness, educational, outdoor, or community experiences

You are solely responsible for determining whether participation is appropriate based on your own physical, emotional, and mental condition.

2. Assumption of Risk

You understand and acknowledge that participation in activities at Zoetic River and being present on the property involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated.

These risks may include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical injury

  • Emotional discomfort or psychological stress

  • Muscle soreness or strain

  • Slips, trips, and falls

  • Uneven terrain

  • Rocks, gravel, stairs, docks, decks, bridges, and natural walking surfaces

  • Exposure to heat, cold, rain, wind, sun, lightning, and changing weather

  • Dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat-related illness

  • Insects, snakes, spiders, scorpions, ticks, poison ivy, and other native wildlife

  • Encounters with domesticated animals

  • Water-related hazards including drowning

  • River currents, changing water levels, submerged objects, and slippery surfaces

  • Entering or exiting watercraft

  • Equipment malfunction or misuse

  • Property damage, theft, or loss of personal belongings

  • Risks associated with mindfulness practices, meditation, emotional processing, silence, movement practices, and group environments

You voluntarily assume all known and unknown risks associated with your participation and presence on the property.

3. Medical & Mental Health Acknowledgement

Zoetic River does not provide medical care, psychotherapy, psychiatric treatment, crisis intervention, or other licensed healthcare services unless explicitly stated otherwise.

You acknowledge that:

  • Retreat facilitators, instructors, employees, contractors, and volunteers are not acting as your healthcare providers.

  • You are responsible for managing your own medical conditions and medications.

  • You should consult an appropriate healthcare provider before participating if you have concerns regarding your physical or mental health.

  • Certain contemplative practices, physical activities, or emotional experiences may not be appropriate for individuals with some medical or psychological conditions.

You agree to participate at your own discretion.

4. Substance-Free Environment

Zoetic River is a substance-free environment.

Alcohol, illegal drugs, cannabis/THC products, recreational substances, or participation while impaired are prohibited during programs or while on the property unless expressly authorized as part of a lawful, facilitated program.

Misuse of prescription medications or disruptive intoxication may result in immediate removal from the property without refund.

5. Community Expectations

Zoetic River is committed to maintaining a respectful, welcoming, and safe environment.

Participants agree to:

  • Treat fellow guests, facilitators, staff, volunteers, and animals with kindness and respect.

  • Follow the guidelines established for the specific program or activity they are attending.

  • Respect periods of silence when applicable.

  • Follow technology and phone policies established for the program.

  • Refrain from disruptive, threatening, abusive, or unsafe behavior.

  • Respect the privacy and experience of other participants.

  • Follow all reasonable safety instructions provided by staff.

Zoetic River reserves the right to remove any participant whose behavior is unsafe, disruptive, or inconsistent with the intended environment. Refunds may not be provided.

6. River & Water Activities

Participation in swimming, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, floating, or any activity in or around the Blanco River is entirely voluntary.

You understand that:

  • River conditions change naturally.

  • Water depth and current may vary.

  • Rocks, docks, riverbeds, and entry points may be slippery or uneven.

  • Watercraft may tip, drift, or become unstable.

  • Natural bodies of water present drowning hazards.

  • No representation is made that river conditions are safe for any particular activity.

You assume full responsibility for your participation in all water-related activities.

7. Animals

Zoetic River is home to domesticated animals, including goats, rabbits, cats, and other animals.

You understand that interactions with animals involve inherent risks, including scratches, bites, allergic reactions, falls, or other injuries.

You agree to interact with animals respectfully and only as directed by staff.

8. Property Safety

Zoetic River is a nature-based property.

You understand that the property may include:

  • Uneven terrain

  • Forested areas

  • Natural trails

  • Gravel pathways

  • Hills

  • Stairs

  • Docks

  • River access

  • Wet or slippery surfaces

  • Limited lighting in certain outdoor areas

You agree to exercise reasonable care and personal responsibility while moving throughout the property.

9. Equipment Use

Participants may be provided access to equipment including, but not limited to:

  • Kayaks

  • Canoes

  • Paddles

  • Snorkeling equipment

  • Yoga mats and props

  • Hammocks

  • Art supplies

  • Recreational equipment

You agree to:

  • Use all equipment responsibly.

  • Follow instructions provided by staff.

  • Inspect equipment before use when appropriate.

  • Immediately report damaged or unsafe equipment.

  • Accept responsibility for damage caused through misuse or negligence.

10. Food & Allergies

Meals and refreshments may contain common allergens and are prepared in shared kitchen facilities.

Although Zoetic River strives to accommodate dietary requests whenever reasonably possible, an allergen-free environment cannot be guaranteed.

You are responsible for informing Zoetic River of allergies, dietary restrictions, and relevant medical conditions before arrival.

11. Photography & Media

Zoetic River may occasionally photograph or record activities for promotional, educational, or archival purposes.

Whenever reasonably practicable, identifiable images of participants will not be intentionally used without permission.

Participants agree not to photograph, record, or publicly share identifiable images or information about other guests without their permission.

12. Emergency Medical Authorization

In the event of an illness or emergency, you authorize Zoetic River staff to contact emergency medical services on your behalf if they determine such action is appropriate.

You understand that you are solely responsible for any costs associated with emergency medical care, transportation, or treatment.

13. Release of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Texas, you voluntarily release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless Ars Vivendi LLC, Zoetic River, its owners, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, instructors, facilitators, property owners, affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to your participation in activities or presence on the property, including claims arising from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties.

This release includes, but is not limited to claims involving:

  • Personal injury

  • Illness

  • Emotional distress

  • Death

  • Property damage

  • Loss or theft of personal property

  • Accidents occurring on the property or during activities

This release does not apply to claims arising from gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional acts where such releases are prohibited by law.

14. Governing Law & Severability

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15. Cancellation Policy

You acknowledge that you have reviewed and agree to the cancellation, refund, transfer, and rescheduling policies applicable to the program or activity for which you have registered.

16. Entire Agreement

This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the participant and Zoetic River regarding participation and supersedes any prior verbal or written statements relating to these matters.

17. Acceptance of Agreement

By acknowledging this Participant Agreement & Liability Waiver during registration or by participating in activities at Zoetic River, you acknowledge and agree that:

  • You have carefully read and understand this Participant Agreement & Liability Waiver.

  • You understand and voluntarily assume the risks associated with participating in activities and being present on the Zoetic River property.

  • You voluntarily choose to participate in activities offered by Zoetic River.

  • You agree to follow all applicable program guidelines and reasonable safety instructions.

  • You release Zoetic River, Ars Vivendi LLC, and the Released Parties from liability to the fullest extent permitted by Texas law.

  • You understand that this Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by applicable law and shall remain effective for the duration of your participation and presence on the property.