H2O Windsurf School – Terms and Conditions

We are a small water-sports school dedicated to the creation and improvement of windsurfers in the UK. We operate throughout the year and love getting out on the water come rain or shine.

By booking and making a financial commitment to our services, you hereby agree to the following terms and conditions.

1. Acknowledgement of Risk

Windsurfing is an extreme sport and can be dangerous. If not practised safely, serious injury or death can occur. It is physically demanding and may result in fatigue. By participating, you acknowledge and accept these inherent risks.

2. Booking, Payment, and Refunds

  • We operate a flexible booking system to accommodate the unpredictable nature of British weather.
  • We cannot take responsibility for adverse weather conditions and do not offer refunds on this basis. In the event of unfavourable conditions, every effort will be made to reschedule customers for alternative times.
  • Refunds for ill-health, unavailability, or change of mind are not possible. Customers may re-book for a later date (with at least 24 hours’ notice) or transfer the booking to another individual.
  • Failure to attend a booking without 24 hours’ notice will result in forfeit of payment.
  • Payment is for the provision of equipment, tuition, and preparation; all bookings are considered non-refundable once preparation and allocation of resources has been made, regardless of participation or engagement.

3. Client Responsibilities and Behavior

  • Clients are expected to engage fully, follow instructions, and behave in a safe and respectful manner.
  • If a client refuses to participate, behaves disruptively, or endangers themselves or others, the instructor reserves the right to remove the client from the session without refund.
  • The instructor’s responsibility is to deliver equipment, tuition, and guidance. Clients who fail to engage are still liable for payment, as the service has been prepared and provided.
  • Quick pre-session checks may be conducted to assess readiness and willingness to participate; clients who are unwilling or non-compliant may be asked to reschedule.

4. Equipment

  • Damage to equipment during rental or tuition will incur a charge, dependent on the cost of repair or replacement.
  • Clients are responsible for the care of all equipment provided during hire or tuition.

5. Personal Property

  • H2O Windsurf School will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.

6. Liability

  • H2O Windsurf School will not be held responsible for any injury, loss, or death arising from participation in hire or tuition.
  • Participation is entirely at your own risk.

7. Equipment Damage Waiver (Optional)

  • Clients have the option to purchase an Equipment Damage Waiver for a fee of £5 per session.
  • This waiver contributes towards a shared fund used to offset minor repair costs resulting from accidental damage during normal use.
  • The waiver does not cover:
    • Deliberate misuse or negligence
    • Failure to follow instruction
    • Loss or theft of equipment
    • Major or total equipment damage
  •  
  • In the event of significant damage caused by negligence, misuse, or failure to follow instruction, the client may still be held liable for repair or replacement costs, regardless of waiver purchase.
  • Clients who choose not to purchase the waiver accept full financial responsibility for any damage to equipment during their session.

8. Overnight SUP Hire

The following terms apply specifically to full day SUP hire with overnight retention:

Booking and payment

All overnight SUP hire must be arranged and paid for in advance. A card will be held on file as a security deposit at the time of booking. No charges will be made to this card provided all conditions below are met.

Return

Equipment must be returned by 10am the following morning. Late returns may result in an additional hire charge at the standard daily rate.

Condition

The board and paddle must be returned in clean condition. The board may be returned deflated — a pump is provided. Any damage beyond reasonable wear and tear will be assessed and charged accordingly.

Loss or theft

In the event of loss or theft of the board or paddle, the hirer will be liable for the full replacement cost. Current replacement values are:
∙ Board and paddle — up to £600

Hirer responsibility

The equipment remains the responsibility of the hirer from the point of collection until the point of return. H2O Windsurf School accepts no liability for any loss, injury or damage arising from use of the equipment during the hire period.

9. Acceptance of Terms

By booking a session with H2O Windsurf School, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions in full.

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

H2O Windsurf School — Sandbanks, Poole 

Named Safeguarding Lead: Benjamin Helps

Contact: 07928 538 632 | h2owindsurfingschool@gmail.com 

Policy last reviewed: July 2026

Our Commitment

H2O Windsurf School is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who participate in our activities. We believe every child has the right to learn in a safe, positive and professional environment. Safeguarding is the responsibility of every member of our team.

Who is Responsible for Safeguarding

The named safeguarding lead for H2O Windsurf School is Benjamin Helps, the school’s owner and lead instructor. Any safeguarding concerns should be directed to Ben in the first instance.

Parental Supervision and Consent

All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the full duration of their session. This adult must remain on site and be accessible at all times.

Parents and carers are responsible for:

  • Remaining present throughout their child’s session
  • Understanding their supervisory responsibilities
  • Informing the instructor of any relevant medical or additional needs prior to the session
  • Ensuring their child understands and follows the school’s code of conduct

These arrangements are clearly communicated at the point of booking and reflected throughout our website and written information.

Safer Recruitment and Vetting

All instructors, helpers and volunteers working with children through H2O Windsurf School will be appropriately vetted before beginning any activity. This includes:

  • An Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
  • Identity verification
  • Suitable references
  • A record of all checks undertaken

H2O Windsurf School takes responsibility for satisfying itself that all individuals working on its behalf are suitable and safe to work with children, regardless of vetting undertaken by any other organisation.

Staff Code of Conduct

All instructors, helpers and volunteers are required to read and sign a Staff Code of Conduct before working with children. This covers:

Physical contact: 

Windsurfing is a practical teaching activity that may occasionally require physical assistance or demonstration. Instructors will always:

  • Explain any physical assistance before providing it
  • Ensure contact is appropriate, proportionate and necessary
  • Avoid unnecessary physical contact
  • Work openly and transparently at all times
  • Ensure parents are aware of teaching practices

One-to-one working: 

No instructor or member of staff will be alone with a child without a parent or guardian present and within sight.

Use of facilities: 

All changing and welfare facilities are managed with appropriate supervision and privacy. Children must not be unsupervised in changing areas.

Communication: 

All communication with children and young people must be professional and appropriate. Electronic or social media communication should be directed through parents and carers wherever possible.

Behaviour: 

All staff are expected to model respectful, professional behaviour at all times and to maintain appropriate boundaries in all interactions with children, parents and members of the public.

Recognising and Reporting Concerns

All staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse and neglect and to respond appropriately to disclosures.

If a concern arises:

  1. Listen carefully and do not promise confidentiality
  2. Record the concern in writing as soon as possible, using the child’s own words where relevant
  3. Report the concern immediately to the named safeguarding lead
  4. Do not investigate the concern yourself

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Key safeguarding contacts:

  • BCP Children’s Social Care: 01202 123 334
  • Police: 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency)
  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 100 5000
  • LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer): 01202 817600
  • Active Dorset Safeguarding: JBallard@activedorset.org

Children, parents and staff should feel confident that any concern raised will be taken seriously, handled sensitively and reported appropriately.

Safeguarding Training

All adults involved in delivering activities at H2O Windsurf School will receive basic safeguarding training appropriate to their role. Training covers:

  • Recognising signs of abuse and neglect
  • Responding to disclosures
  • Reporting concerns
  • Professional boundaries
  • Low-level concerns and allegations management

Training records are maintained and reviewed annually.

Risk Assessments

Activity risk assessments are reviewed regularly and include safeguarding considerations, covering:

  • Supervision arrangements on and off the water
  • Collection and drop-off arrangements
  • Emergency procedures
  • Water safety
  • Lone working risks
  • Management of changing facilities and welfare issues

Managing Low-Level Concerns and Allegations

H2O Windsurf School takes low-level concerns seriously. Any behaviour by a member of staff that falls below the expected standard — even if not immediately harmful — will be addressed promptly and recorded.

Any allegation against a member of staff will be referred to the LADO at BCP Council: 01202 817600.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated in line with current guidance from the RYA, Active Dorset and local safeguarding authorities. It is made available to all parents and carers on our website and upon request.