On line terms and conditions
Please read and agree before signing the Booking Form
WHEELYBOAT BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
An introduction to the Tees Wheelyboats
If you wish to take a trip on the Wheelyboat you will need to make a booking with us. We don't have a set time table but make trips available when its convenient for you.
Trips can be for an hour or more. We advise that your first trip would be an hour to make sure you, your service users or friends/family enjoy the experience.
The Wheelyboat
The Wheelyboat has been specially designed to accommodate disabled people and wheelchair users in particular, easily and safely. It has a bow door that is hinged and lowers to form a ramp enabling roll-on, roll-off access. The deck is flat and provides access to all corners of the boat thus providing disabled club members with the freedom to skipper the boat themselves, if they wish.
The Wheelyboat is extremely easy to operate and therefore provides disabled people with the same opportunities to get out and about on water as standard craft do for their able-bodied counterparts.
Seating is flexible and arranged to suit the most suitable options for client requirements.
The Wheelyboat is a very stable platform and wheelchair brakes alone are normally sufficient for comfort, however if and when required, Wheelyboats are supplied with secure tracking and other wheelchair fixing points.
The River Tees
The river has approximately 12 miles of impounded water running through urban areas and countryside from the barrage to beyond Yarm. One destination point on the river that facilitates disembarking by wheelchair users is available at Preston Park.
Please be aware that the air temperature experienced on the Wheelyboat is one-coat cooler than on land and clothing worn should reflect this.
The Tees Wheelyboats
Any member of the public can join this properly constituted organisation upon application.
It is the TW's intention to make the Wheelyboat available to all who cannot easily or in a dignified way enjoy being on the water any other way. All disabilities can be catered for with minimal restrictions on who can take a trip. We welcome relatives, friends and carers who wish to accompany any disabled passenger.
If any passenger requires a carer, then the carer must accompany them on a trip, the crew cannot accept any carer responsibility.
On every trip the Wheelyboat will have a crew of two qualified, experienced and skilled volunteers who give of their time and skills willingly and freely.
The operational base is the River Tees Watersports Centre in Stockton on Tees.
The Wheelyboat boat is available to be booked between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday, outside these times and weekends be made available upon request, throughout the summertime clock change season.
Trips start on the hour and can be from one hour to full day duration.
Self-drive hire of the boat may be possible to those with the appropriate qualifications, skill and enthusiasm, contact the Secretary for further information.
Enquiries and / or Booking
We prefer to have up to seven day's notice of a booking but understand that this is not always possible.
Available time slots and bookings can be viewed on the website or requested via email or telephone.
The cost of the Wheelyboat operation is funded by donation alone hence the need to ask for donation. The Wheelyboat can be booked by any member of the public in the following ways:
By filling in and submitting the booking form on the website.
By downloading the form from the web site or requesting the application form by telephone or email and. It is recommended that before doing this you check that the desired time slot is available.
By contacting us to make a booking and then completing a booking form and bringing it with you and the appropriate donation on the day.
Subsequent to receipt of the donation and receipts will be issued.
Should the trip need to be cancelled for any reason the trip will either (i) re-arranged or (ii) the donation will be reimbursed, to suit the client.
Guidance for booking the Wheelyboat.
The operation of the Wheelyboat is managed by a pre-booking system to ensure timely attendance at the RTWC or Preston Park to ensure adequate time for embarking and an enjoyable trip.
Booking will be in periods of one hour, with a one hour minimum, starting on the hour.
Booking can be made by telephone on 07748908646; or by email �info@tees-wheelyboats.org.uk
Bookings for any trip will not exceed 6 passengers. Due the size of the boat it is not practical to have more than 2 wheelchairs and three carers or three wheelchairs and two carer or six non-wheelchairu sers. Please note electric wheelchair and user is equivalent to two passengers.
The booking form must be completed, signed and received by before the trip. The Skipper will ensure the completion of the Booking Form/Passenger List.
Normal Wheelyboat Operations.
A donation per person per hour of a trip is requested and will be as defined by Tees Wheelyboats to cover running costs. Donations are requested before a trip is commenced. A receipt will be provided.
Mobility scooters cannot be taken on board the Wheelyboat.
All passengers under the age of 18 years MUST be accompanied by a parent, guardian or carer.
All passengers who require a carer MUST be accompanied by their carer.
All passengers must wear a life jacket provided. If unwilling or unable to wear a life jacket they will not be permitted on board.
All passengers must be able to sit independently in their allotted seat.
Tees Wheelyboats cannot accept any responsibility for vehicles, scooters or personal possessions of Wheelyboat participants.
The Skipper of the Wheelyboat will ensure the safe embarkation; trip and disembarking, their instructions and safety briefings must be followed by passengers and crew at all times.
VEHICLES At the River Tees Watersports Centre (RTWC)
Vehicles will be allowed entry to the Promenade but must not remain there any longer than is needed for unloading / reloading passengers and should as soon as possible be moved to the Water Centre car park for the duration of the trip. Waiting on highway is not permitted.
Vehicle drivers - The Promenade is open to the public and due care must be taken at all times. At Preston Park
There is no vehicle access to the pontoon / landing stage at Preston Park but there is an inclined footpath from the car parking area to the river.
Terms and Conditions
Questions - If you are unsure whether you are able to participate in any activity, or if you have any questions concerning these terms and conditions, your booking form, the Safety briefings or the Introduction to TW, please ask.
T&C - Your use of TW and RTWC facilities is subject to these terms and conditions. The completed and signed booking form, together with these terms and conditions and guidelines shall constitute the entire agreement between you (`the Customer') or the person making the booking on your behalf, and us.
Data Protection / Privacy - The information you have supplied will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 2019.
Cameras, Video Cameras and Mobile Phones - The use of video cameras, still cameras and other equipment with image taking capabilities e.g. mobile phones, is strictly forbidden without prior permission from the skipper of the Wheelyboat who will ensure agreement with other users.
Damage - You must not do anything (or omit to do anything) which may cause damage or loss to our property or facilities, to other participants or cause nuisance, annoyance, disturbance, inconvenience or injury to any other persons. Any damage caused by the customer to the facility building, fixtures, or any other property of TW / RTWC shall be shall be independently assessed and paid for by the customer.
Drink or drugs - Smoking and non-prescription drugs are not permitted on the Wheelyboat or the RTWC car park. Anyone in possession of or under the influence of any such items will be refused access. Any persons who are thought to be under the influence of drink and or drugs (at the sole discretion of TW or RTWC staff) will not be permitted to use the facilities and partake in any activities. No refund will be given.
Communications - If you wish to send us any notice or letters then you should send it or email to the address shown above.
Contract - This agreement is governed and construed by the laws of England and Wales and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
Liability - TW will not accept any liability for loss or damage you may suffer due to any act which contravenes the instructions or advice given by TW.