HB 1493 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

     Provides that no person shall act in the capacity of a paid whitewater river outfitter, or advertise in any newspaper or magazine or any other trade publication, or represent himself or herself as a whitewater river outfitter in the state, without first obtaining a whitewater river outfitter's license from the department of licensing in accordance with RCW 88.12.275.

     Provides that any attempt by a commercial whitewater river outfitter to waive liability for its own negligence is void as against public policy.

     Provides that no person may act as a guide unless the individual is at least eighteen years of age and has successfully completed:  (1) A lifesaving training course meeting standards adopted by the commission;

     (2) a swiftwater river rescue course meeting standards adopted by the commission; and

     (3) a program of guide training on whitewater rivers meeting standards adopted by the commission.