Terms & conditions
Please read these before completing your passenger list. They cover how we operate and what we ask of you.
1. About Tees Wheelyboats
Tees Wheelyboats is a volunteer-run charitable organisation providing accessible boat trips on the River Tees for people with any form of disability, and their friends, family, and carers.
The organisation is run entirely by volunteers. No financial reward is received by any member.
2. Bookings
All trips must be booked in advance. We do not operate a set timetable. Bookings are made by calling 07748 908 646 or emailing bookings@tees-wheelyboats.org.uk.
A booking is confirmed when we have contacted you to confirm. Before the trip, a completed and signed passenger list must be received by Tees Wheelyboats. This can be submitted online or in writing.
3. Passenger list and consent
By signing the passenger list, you confirm that:
- You have read and agree to these terms and conditions.
- All passengers listed are attending voluntarily and with full consent.
- You have declared any relevant medical conditions, mobility needs, or safety information for each passenger.
- You understand that the Skipper's decisions regarding safety are final.
4. Life jackets and safety
All passengers must wear a correctly fitted life jacket for the duration of the trip. Life jackets are provided in a range of sizes. We are not able to take passengers who are unwilling or unable to wear a life jacket.
A safety briefing will be given to all passengers before boarding. Please listen carefully and follow all instructions from the Skipper and crew.
5. The Skipper's authority
The Skipper is in charge of the vessel and responsible for the safety of all those on board. All passengers must follow any instructions given by the Skipper. The Skipper has the right to refuse boarding, end a trip early, or take any action they consider necessary for the safety of passengers and crew.
6. Cancellations — by passengers
If you need to cancel a trip, please let us know as soon as possible by telephone so that we can stand down the crew. We do not charge a cancellation fee.
7. Cancellations — by Tees Wheelyboats
We reserve the right to cancel a trip at any time due to adverse weather, river conditions, crew availability, mechanical failure, or any other reason affecting the safe operation of the vessel. We will give you as much notice as possible and offer to rebook.
We are not liable for any costs incurred as a result of a trip cancellation.
8. Weather and river conditions
The Skipper will assess conditions before each trip. In the case of strong winds, storms, high river flow, or any other conditions deemed unsafe, the trip may be cancelled or shortened. The Skipper's decision is final.
9. Disability and access needs
We welcome passengers with any form of disability. Please advise us of any specific needs when booking so we can plan accordingly. The boat can accommodate only one electric wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs count as two passengers due to their weight. Mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on the vessel.
10. Conduct
We ask all passengers to respect the crew, other passengers, and the environment. Anyone behaving in a way that endangers others or disrupts the trip may be asked to disembark at the earliest safe opportunity.
11. Photographs and videos
We may occasionally take photographs or video footage during trips for use in our communications. We will always ask for consent before photographing individuals. Please let us know at the time of booking if you or any passenger does not wish to be photographed.
12. Data protection
The personal information collected on the passenger list is used solely for the purposes of operating the trip safely. We do not share your information with third parties except where required by law. Data is held securely and deleted after a reasonable period.
13. Liability
Tees Wheelyboats holds appropriate public liability insurance for the operation of the Wheelyboat. Passengers participate in trips voluntarily and at their own risk, subject to the operator's duty of care.
We accept no liability for loss of or damage to personal property during a trip.
14. Donations
We do not charge for trips. To cover our running costs, we gratefully accept voluntary donations of approximately £5 per passenger. Donations can be made in cash to the crew during the trip or by bank transfer by prior arrangement. Receipts can be provided on request.
15. Contact
If you have any questions about these terms, please contact us before your trip:
- Phone: 07748 908 646
- Email: teeswbinfo@gmail.com
Last updated: January 2026