1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS Welcome to AthensScubaPark.com. By accessing our website, purchasing goods, booking services, or using the facility for activities with Athens Scuba Park ("the Company," "we," "us," or "our"), you ("the Customer," "Guest," or "User") agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you are prohibited from using our website or accessing our facility.
2. SCUBA DIVING CERTIFICATION & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
- 2.1 Certification Requirements: All divers must present a valid physical or digital certification Open Water certification card ("C-Card") from a recognized training agency (e.g., PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI) upon check-in. We reserve the right to refuse service to any diver who cannot provide adequate proof of certification.
- 2.2 Solo Diving Policy: Solo diving is strictly prohibited unless the diver holds a valid Solo Diver certification and possesses all necessary equipment (e.g., filled pony bottle or spare air, backup gauge (if using a computer), knife etc.) Divers without this certification or without proper equipment must adhere to the buddy system at all times.
- 2.3 Overhead Environments (Wrecks):
- Hazards: Our facility contains submerged structures and metal wrecks. These structures may contain sharp edges, dark areas, and confined spaces. Protective gloves are highly recommended.
- Penetration Training: The interior of these wrecks is classified as an "Overhead Environment." Entry into any wreck is strictly prohibited unless the diver holds a valid Wreck Diver certification.
- Enforcement: Any diver found penetrating a wreck, without proper certification or endangering themselves or others, will be subject to immediate expulsion from the park without refund and a potential permanent ban.
- 2.4 Buoyancy Control & Environmental Conservation: Athens Scuba Park features a clay bottom which is easily disturbed. Guests are required to maintain proper buoyancy to preserve visibility.
- Prohibited Conduct: Intentional disturbance of the bottom ("silting"), walking on banks in prohibited areas, or failing to use assigned dock sites is grounds for removal from the facility.
- Shore Access: Divers may strictly use the designated kayak launch area for shore entry/exit and air fills.
- 2.5 Assumption of Risk & Limitation of Liability:
- Inherent Risks: The User acknowledges that scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming are inherently dangerous activities that can carry a risk of severe injury, paralysis, or death.
- Release of Liability: Athens Scuba Park, its owners, employees, and agents shall not be held liable for any accidents, injuries, or losses sustained by the User while on the premises or utilizing the facilities.
- User Responsibility: By entering/exiting the water, or any other activity, the User agrees that they are doing so entirely at their own risk and assumes full responsibility for their safety, equipment, and well-being.
3. WAIVERS & MINORS
- 3.1 Liability Release: All guests (including divers, snorkelers, and non-diving spectators) must sign a Liability Release Waiver prior to heading around the lake. Tourists checking the place out may walk around but cannot drive vehicle around lake.
- 3.2 Minors: Guests under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- 3.3 Supervision: Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. (Above and under the water) "Drop-offs" for minors are strictly prohibited unless their guardian is on the property.
4. PARK CONDITIONS & MAINTENANCE
- 4.1 Visibility: Water visibility is a natural condition and is not guaranteed. We advise all guests to check our daily water condition reports prior to arrival. Heavy rains cause our water visibility to be low temporarily. If considering coming out after a storm, expect poor conditions until it clears back up.
- 4.2 Training Restrictions: Athens Scuba Park staff reserves the right to halt dive training, (including third-party dive shop classes)& also fun diving, if environmental conditions are deemed unsafe for students and/or fun divers.
- 4.3 Maintenance Closures: To ensure water quality, the lake undergoes annual treatment (e.g., flocculation) in early spring. During this maintenance period, the lake will be closed to the public. These treatments are conducted to keep the water quality high and help prevent accidents due to low vis diving.
5. RESERVATIONS, RV SITES, CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
- 5.1 Camping & Pavilions: While reservations are recommended, specific dock sites and pavilions require advance booking.
- 5.2 RV Site Policy:
- A deposit is required to secure any RV sites.
- Cancellations: Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled arrival date to receive a refund of the deposit.
- Late Cancellations: Cancellations made within 48 hours of the arrival date are non-refundable.
- There is NO after-dark check in for RVs or tent camping unless arranged with ASP staff. Entry fee remains the same no matter what time you check in to the facility.
- 5.3 Weather Policy: The dive shop operates rain or shine. However, the lake & pool will be closed for all water activities during electrical storms or if air temperatures drop below freezing.
- Rainchecks: In the event of severe weather requiring evacuation of the water, rainchecks (valid for entry fees only) may be issued at the sole discretion of Management.
- No Cash Refunds: Monetary refunds are never issued for weather-related closures. Rental gear fees are non-refundable once the gear has been issued.
6. RETAIL & ONLINE STORE POLICY
- 6.1 Online Purchases: All online sales are final. Refunds are not issued for products once they have been used. If unused, items can be refunded with a 30% restocking fee.
- 6.2 Defective Items: Products found to be defective within the manufacturer's warranty period will be replaced or repaired in accordance with the manufacturer's policy. If a replacement is unavailable, store credit may be issued.
- 6.3 In-Store Sales: All sales made at the physical Dive Shop are final at the Point of Sale.
- 6.4 Student Equipment Exception: A limited exception to the "Final Sale" policy applies to students currently enrolled in training classes who are testing gear for fit and function. Adjustments or exchanges for these students are permitted during the training period at the discretion of the instructor or shop manager.
7. PET POLICY
- 7.1 Leash & Supervision: Athens Scuba Park is a pet-friendly facility; however, all pets must be kept on a physical leash (maximum 6 feet) and under the control of their owner at all times while on park grounds.
- Unattended Pets: Pets may never be left unattended. Tethering a pet to a tree, vehicle, or any other object and leaving them alone is strictly prohibited.
- 7.2 Waste Disposal: Owners are solely responsible for the immediate removal and proper disposal of their pet's waste. Failure to clean up after a pet may result in a cleaning fee or expulsion from the park.
- 7.3 Noise & Behavior: Excessive noise (e.g., continuous barking) that disturbs other guests will not be tolerated. If a pet becomes a nuisance or exhibits aggressive behavior, the owner will be asked to control the animal immediately. Failure to do so will result in the owner and pet being asked to vacate the premises without a refund.
- 7.4 Water Access:
- Designated Areas: Pets are permitted to swim in the lake but must enter and exit the water only via the designated docks or the kayak launch area.
- Prohibited Areas: To preserve water clarity and prevent bank erosion, pets are strictly prohibited from running along the shoreline or water banks.
- 7.5 Liability & Indemnification: Athens Scuba Park assumes no liability for any injury or damage caused by a guest's pet.
- Owner Responsibility: The pet owner assumes full legal and financial responsibility for any injury to persons (including other guests or staff) or damage to property caused by their pet. By bringing a pet onto the premises, the owner agrees to indemnify and hold Athens Scuba Park harmless from any claims arising from their pet's actions.