Simple. Fun. Safe. Splashy!
These rules are here to make sure everyone has an epic day on the water while staying safe, respectful and true to the Scout spirit of creativity, teamwork and adventure. This is the first of many drafts, so please check back periodically for any changes.
1. Safety First – Always!
- Everyone on the water must wear a proper, buckled life jacket at all times. No exceptions.
If it’s not on, you’re not launching. - Recreational swimming in the dam is not allowed.
The safety crew needs a clear view of the water, and it is against Municipal rules.
2. Keep Nature Happy
- What goes into the water must come out again.
If your raft explodes into 47 pieces of barrel and rope (it happens!), you must retrieve every piece. - The event area is part of a nature reserve — treat it like your campsite at the end of a long hike:
Do not disturb or collect plants, animals, birds, or any natural features. - Use the waste drums provided and leave the site cleaner than you found it.
3. Building the Mighty Raft
- No pre-built hulls. All rafts must be fully constructed on the shoreline during the allotted time.
- Allowed materials include ropes, poles, planks, barrels, drums and the classic Scout “use what you've got” approach.
Some nuts and bolts are okay, but keep it true to the theme — this is a raft race, not a boat show. - Rafts must pass a waterworthiness inspection before launch.
If it sinks immediately, we’ll help you out… and laugh lovingly. - No motors. No engines. No sneaky electric trolling motors.
Just people power, paddles, and Scout determination.
4. Team Rules
- Teams may be any size, but only a maximum of six members may be on the raft during the race.
- All competing members must stay on the raft for the entire race.
Falling off happens — climbing back on is part of the fun — but deliberately running alongside or pushing from the water is not allowed. - Zero alcohol for anyone going onto the water.
Paddles and poor decisions don’t mix.
5. Branding & Spirit
Every raft must have:
- A theme
- A team name
- A proudly displayed flag
This helps judges, spectators and photographers cheer for the right group of soggy champions.
6. Site Rules
- Only authorised vehicles may enter the event area, and only for drop off or collection.
- No dogs allowed in the event zone — even if they insist they’re great swimmers.
- Fires only in designated fire areas.
No spontaneous campfires on the shoreline. - Follow all instructions from organisers and safety crew.
Their word always comes first.
7. Taking Part
- Participation is entirely at your own risk — this includes spectators, builders, paddlers and unofficial cheer squads.
- All persons entering the event zone consent to photos and videos being taken for promotional purposes.
(This may include dramatic slow-motion capsize footage.) - The judges’ decision is final, even when questionable, surprising, or hilarious.
8. Good Sportsmanship
- Play fair, cheer loudly, help other crews if they’re struggling, and remember that the main goal is fun, teamwork and adventure.
- Any behaviour that undermines safety or the Scout spirit may lead to disqualification.
And finally…
Have fun, build creatively, paddle your hearts out, and may your raft stay in one piece (mostly)!