Operator Requirements

Age & Identification

All boat operators must be a minimum of 21 years of age and hold a valid, state-issued driver's license. The license must be presented at check-out and will be photocopied for our records.

Boater Education

Any operator born on or after January 1, 1986 must present a valid boater education card before a boat will be released. The following are accepted:

• A boating education certification showing successful completion of an Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC) approved safe boating course

• A valid boating education certificate issued by another state from a course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)

Proof of certification must be carried on board at all times during the rental. Operators who cannot produce documentation will not be permitted to take the vessel out.

Fishing License & Trout Permit

Any guest who plans to fish during the rental must have a valid Arkansas fishing license and Arkansas trout permit in their possession before the boat is released. These are required by state law and will be verified at check-out.

Arkansas fishing licenses and trout permits are available for purchase at the Ember Shoals fly shop. Our staff can assist you with any questions about licensing requirements.

Day licenses and trout permits are available on-site. If you need one, plan to arrive 15 minutes before your rental start time.

Safety Briefing

All renters are required to complete a brief on-site safety orientation before departure. This is not optional. Our staff will cover:

• Current river conditions and any active dam release schedule from Bull Shoals Dam

• Navigation guidance for the section of river you plan to cover

• Location of all required safety equipment on board

• Emergency contact procedures

The White River below Bull Shoals Dam is subject to rapid water level and current changes driven by dam release schedules. Conditions can change significantly within a single day. Our team will provide the most current information available at the time of your departure.

Fuel

Each rental includes one full tank of fuel per day. If your trip requires additional fuel, overages will be billed to the card on file at a rate of $30 per tank. The current overage rate will be confirmed at check-out and noted in your rental agreement.

Alcohol

Alcohol is NOT permitted on board any Ember Shoals rental vessel. This is a strict policy with NO EXCEPTIONS. Guests found to have alcohol on board during a rental will be subject to immediate termination of the rental without refund.

Arkansas boating under the influence laws apply to all guests on the water regardless of this policy. By accepting the rental agreement, guests acknowledge sole responsibility for any legal consequences arising from violations of state law during their rental period.

Damage & Liability

Condition Documentation

The condition of the boat, motor, and propeller will be documented in the presence of the renter at both check-out and check-in. Photographs will be taken of the propeller and visible hull surfaces before departure and upon return. Renters will be asked to acknowledge the pre-rental condition in writing.

Propeller Damage

The White River contains submerged structure. Propeller strikes are a known risk. If the propeller is returned in a damaged or non-repairable condition, a flat replacement fee of $125 will be charged to the card on file. This fee reflects the current replacement cost and will be confirmed in your rental agreement at check-out.

General Damage

Any damage to the vessel beyond normal wear will be assessed at current repair cost and charged to the card on file. Guests are fully responsible for the condition of the vessel during their rental period.

Sunken or Lost Vessels

In the event of a vessel sinking or total loss attributable to renter negligence, the renter is liable for the full replacement value of the vessel and motor. We strongly recommend that renters carry personal watercraft liability coverage or confirm that their existing auto or homeowner's policy extends to rented watercraft.

Guests with Personal Boats

Guests who arrive with a personal boat or trailer are welcome. Please park your trailer in the designated boat trailer area as shown on the property map provided at check-in. Trailers may not be parked in the main RV loop, near the dumpster, or in any location where they obstruct roadway access.

Guests fishing from personal boats must still comply with all Arkansas licensing and trout permit requirements.

Rental Cancellations

Boat rental cancellations follow the same general policy as accommodation reservations. Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the scheduled rental will receive a full refund less the $25 processing fee. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.

Cancellations due to verified weather warnings affecting river safety will receive a full reschedule credit valid for 12 months.