Silversides COVID-19 Policy

Dated March 14, 2020. Updated March 26.

As a past, present, or prospective guest of Silversides, you’re a part of our family and you should know that the health and safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. For Everyone’s benefit we are implementing our own COVID-19 safety policy. This policy is based on the most recent recommendations from the World Health Organization and local medical professionals. This situation is difficult for all of us and we want to handle this in the best possible way including the financial hardship it is creating for you and ourselves.

Travel Restrictions:

Recently, due to the uncertain nature of the spread of the coronavirus resulting in an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, travel restrictions, and shelter in place orders, many travelers are understandably concerned. For this reason, we STRONGLY advise all travellers to purchase a travel protection plan that will cover you in the event you or a family member become ill and cannot travel. However, it’s important to know most policies will not cover other disruptions to travel caused by the Coronavirus, including cancelled flights or airport closures.

Cancellation of trips through April 30th

In the primary interest of protecting the health and safety of our guests and employees, and in an effort to do our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus, we decided that the cancellation or postponement of any trips that cannot sufficiently practice social distancing through the end of April was the most responsible decision at this time. Please ask us directly if your trip meets the requirements of safe social distancing.

This was not a determination we made lightly. Like many in the hospitality and tourism industry, our small family-owned business will be hit hard by this. Very hard. We know this is likely a difficult time for you as well and it’s our desire to do right by our valued guests.

While acknowledging that in past cases a refund (less non refundable deposits if applicable, and non recoverable bank fees or the likes thereof) is among your options when Silversides cancels or postpones a trip, we’re asking our guests to consider transferring trip payments toward a future Silversides trip, which will help our company and our employees weather this unprecedented storm. As an incentive to do so, we’re able to offer a 5% discount on a future trip when you re-schedule due to the Covid situation.

GOING FISHING IN A SMALL GROUP IS FUN & HEALTHY WHEN WE PRACTICE SAFETY FIRST:

• All our charters are and have always been private meaning you won’t be sharing the boat or vehicle with strangers.

• We regularly clean our boats interior with ‘Spray 9‘ which is deadly to many known viruses.

• Captains and guides will wear gloves and face protection

   

The following precautions and policies will be in place starting March 14, 2020 until further notice:

1. Anyone who is currently showing or has recently showed signs or symptoms of the flu or cold within the last 4 weeks prior to your charter is not permitted to partake in any of our charters. No exceptions.

2. We will follow recommendations by medical professionals regarding safe and responsible transmission reduction protocols. We won’t be shaking hands and other such actions that can spread the virus more effectively. Guides may wear face masks. Of course they will look cool and perhaps even look like a bandit and not a doctor.

3. Regarding cancellations due to travel bans and other imposed restrictions we will be more than happy to allow people to re-schedule their charter at a later date at no extra cost. We have always had a no refund policy on deposits(25%). This remains in place. Refunds of payments over the 25% threshold will be at the discretion of management.

4. Due to the uncertainty of the current dilemma we will try to make life easier for our clients by reducing our non-refundable deposit requirements from 25% of trip value to $100 per day. If you need to cancel your charter due to the COVID-19 situation this will help reduce your losses. Policy #3 will remain in place for all clients.

5. Until this unfortunate situation passes we will not be accepting bookings from countries or regions where infection rates are significant. We will use reliable data to make this call.

6. In the event that your guide is sick we will not allow him to take you on your charter. We will try and provide a healthy guide but if we cannot find a replacement on such short notice we will refund you the price you paid for your fishing charter.

7. Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation we reserve the right to update and change this policy at any time to keep our staff and yourselves safe and healthy.

What you can do to help us: wear gloves and bring your own hand sanitizer. No aerosol products are allowed.

Thank you for understanding this unfortunate event. We truly wish everyone the best health.

Brian Mack & crew.