An activity waiver is a contract by which a participant releases the activity provider from liability for injuries arising from the inherent risks of the activity. UK courts scrutinise waivers carefully — they must be fair and transparent under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and Consumer Rights Act 2015.

• Cannot exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence (UCTA 1977)
• Must be drawn to participant's attention before participation — not after
• Consumer waivers: Consumer Rights Act 2015 prevents unfair terms
• Minors: parent/guardian must sign — and waiver may still not bind the minor
• Public liability insurance recommended even with a waiver in place

Legal reference: Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 s.2; Consumer Rights Act 2015 s.65; Occupiers Liability Act 1957