Rides and Attractions Rules & Procedures

Kalahari is committed to the safety of our guests.

We ask that you read and abide by all rule and procedures here and throughout our Waterpark. Have fun. Be Safe. 

GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION

Indoor Waterpark

  • Life vests are required for all children under 48". At Kalahari Resorts, the safety and security of our guests is our number one priority. In our indoor and outdoor Waterparks, Kalahari is proud to meet, and in many cases, exceed state and federal guidelines for Waterpark safety. Although many children possess excellent swimming capabilities in standard pools, Kalahari Resorts requires all children under 48" to wear a life vest for added safety while enjoying our Waterparks. You are encouraged to bring your own life vest if it is well fitting and U.S. Coast Guard approved. Complimentary life vests are available in the Waterpark on a first come first served basis.
  • Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • State law prohibits any food or beverage to be brought in from outside the Waterpark.
  • A scale is available at each ride for any weight-related inquiries.
  • Maximum operational load: 1person, 250 lbs. (114 kg.)
  • Persons under 48 inches (1.22 m.) tall are not permitted on this ride.
  • No eyewear or flotation devices are permitted.
  • Swimwear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets, or metal ornaments are not permitted.
  • Riders must be barefoot.
  • Only one rider to enter the slide at a time.
  • Single riders only!
  • Never form chains.
  • Riders must ride slide feet first lying on your back with legs firmly crossed at ankles and hands behind head.
  • Do not uncross your legs or attempt to sit up until you come to a complete stop in the shutdown lane.
  • Do not run, dive, stand, kneel, rotate, or stop in the slide.
  • At the end of the slide, exit quickly and obey all instructions by the attendant.
  • Elephant’s Trunk is for strong swimmers only.
  • CAUTION: For safety reasons, pregnant women and persons with heart conditions or back trouble and persons exceeding 250 lbs. should not ride this slide.
  • This is a very strenuous ride. Riders must be able to swim in turbulent moving water.
  • Bodyboarding this sheet wave is a body-active, participatory sport. As with all sports, care must be taken to avoid injury.
  • Riders must be in a good physical condition and free from any physical limitations to participate. Pregnant women and persons with a history of heart, back, neck, shoulder, or joint problems should not ride.
  • Riders must be at least 42 inches tall to participate in bodyboarding and 52 inches tall to surf.
  • Jewelry, hats, eyeglasses, or loose articles of any type are not recommended on the ride as they may injure the participant or damage the ride surface.
  • Bodyboarding: When instructed by the Gatekeeper, place your body board into the launch ramp, slick side down. Lie down with your stomach on the body board, head first, with your hips along the rear edge of the board. Your legs should be extended straight behind you. Your hands should grab the forward rails of the board.
  • Flowboarding: Orientation is required for any guest that plans on stand up surfing in addition to the existing FlowRider rules. Orientation lasts about 10 minutes and is available 3 times a day at 8:45 AM, 6:45 PM and Waterpark Closing. All who choose to flowboard must sign a waiver. Click Here to view waiver.
  • Avoid jumping into or entering the ride at high speeds – YOU WILL WIPE OUT!
  • Steer your body board into the center of the flowing water. You can control your body board by gently shifting your weight. Obey the wave staff at all times.
  • Single riding only is permitted. NO tandem riders or multiple riding is allowed.
  • The flowing water may pull off bathing suit tops, bottoms, and loose clothing. Cover-ups are suggested.
  • Horseplay and daredevil stunts are not permitted.
  • Riders must be barefoot.
  • CAUTION! The ride surface is very slippery.
  • NO TANDEM RIDERS!
  • GUESTS MAY NOT DROP IN FROM THE TOP WHEN RIDING.
  • Tubes are not required.
  • Riders must remain seated at all times.
  • No rough play.
  • Riders under 48" must be accompanied by an adult. Lifejackets are recommended for weak swimmers.
  • Minors ages 6 and under are not permitted in the whirlpool.
  • Elderly persons and persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, or high or low blood pressure should not enter whirlpool.
  • Minors under the age of 12 who are unsupervised may not use the whirlpool.
  • Persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not use the whirlpool.
  • Pregnant women should consult their physician regarding whirlpool usage.
  • Lengthy exposure may be hazardous to your health and may result in nausea, dizziness or fainting.
  • Repeated or extended use of hot tubs may cause eye, throat and skin irritations.
  • In the event of inclement weather, this spa may be closed.
  • Maximum patron load: 83 people.
  • Always listen to lifeguard.
  • No diving - shallow water.
  • No crawling on slide.
  • No headfirst sliding.
  • Maximum weight limit for slides is 100 lbs.
  • Children who are not toilet trained must wear approved swim diapers.
  • Riders must be seated and slide down the slide feet first.
  • All children must be supervised by an adult.
  • Maximum weight limit is 400 lbs. total. Maximum individual weight is 250 lbs. Riders will be asked to verify total weight on a scale before riding.
  • Minimum weight limit of 115 lbs. with the heavier rider in back.
  • Persons under 42 inches tall are not permitted on this ride.
  • Eyeglasses must be securely affixed to riders with head straps. No loose articles permitted.
  • Follow instructions given by the attendants.
  • No jumping or diving. One rider in front of the other. Sit in rafts fully-seated, holding handles with both hands, legs and arms inside the raft.
  • The attendant will start the ride.
  • Keep arms and hands inside the rafts at all times and grip handles firmly until raft has come to a complete stop at the unload area.
  • If ride stops, remain seated and wait for the attendant.
  • Do not attempt to stand during the operation of this slide at any time.
  • CAUTION: For safety reasons, pregnant women and persons with heart conditions or back trouble and persons exceeding 250 lbs. should not ride this slide. 
  • Must be at least 21 years old to enter swim-up bar pool.
  • Do not enter the pool if you have a communicable disease or open cut.
  • Do not bring food, drink, gum or tobacco into the pool.
  • Shower before entering the pool and after use of toilet facilities.
  • Do not run or engage in rough play in the pool area.
  • Diaper changing on the pool deck is prohibited.
  • Glass and shatterable items are prohibited in the pool area.
  • Swim diapers are required for all participants not toilet trained.
  • In the event of inclement weather, this pool may be closed.
  • NO DIVING.
  • Maximum patron load: 110 people
  • Splash pool is 3 feet, 6 inches deep. Do not jump or dive from the raft into the pool.
  • Eyeglasses must be securely affixed to riders with head straps. No loose articles permitted.
  • Swimwear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets, or metal ornaments is not permitted.
  • Riders under 42" must be accompanied by an adult.
  • 2 or 3 riders required per raft.
  • Step into rafts carefully. Sit in rafts fully-seated holding handles with both hands.
  • Riders must stay in the rafts during the ride. If you accidentally fall from the raft, continue on down the slide without it and exit normally.
  • Riders must wait for the attendant to start the ride.
  • Keep arms and hands inside the tubes at all times.
  • Do not run, dive, stand, kneel, rotate, or stop in the slide.
  • At the end of the slide, stay in the raft until directed by splash pool attendant to exit.
  • CAUTION: For safety reasons, pregnant women and persons with heart conditions or back trouble and persons exceeding 250 lbs. should not ride this slide.
  • Only guests wearing suitable swimming attire may ride the flume. Swimming attire with buckles, rivets, or any sharp objects are not permitted, as they may damage the flume.
  • Shoes, sandals or footwear with buckles are not permitted to be worn while riding.
  • Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions, guests with neck or back problems, and guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted to ride.
  • Guests must ride one at a time. Chains or double riding are not permitted.
  • Guests are not permitted to remain in the run-out. Please exit the run-out as quickly as possible.
  • For riders to safely experience the Sahara Sidewinder and the Screaming Hyena, each such rider should have the physical and cognitive abilities to remain in the supine position only (on the back, face up.) Once guests enter the start box, they should lean back against the flume, feet first, facing front, with their legs crossed at the ankles and their hands behind their neck with their fingers locked, while controlling their limbs throughout the course of the ride.
  • Riders will experience strong acceleration and deceleration forces from the front, rear and all sides during the course of the ride.
  • The minimum height requirement for guests using the Sahara Sidewinders and Screaming Hyena is 54".
  • The maximum weight requirement for guests using the Sahara Sidewinders and Screaming Hyena is 300 lbs.
  • Do not use the slide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Follow the instructions of the attendant.
  • No standing, kneeling, rotating or stopping in the flume.
  • Keep your hands inside the flume.
  • Leave the plunge area immediately.
  • WARNING: Water depth is 6 inches.
  • This attraction is for strong swimmers only.
  • Splash pool depth is 9'6".
  • Maximum operational load: 1 person, 250 lbs.
  • Persons under 48" tall are not permitted on this ride.
  • No eyewear or flotation devices are permitted.
  • No loose articles permitted. Swimwear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets, or metal ornaments is not permitted.
  • Riders must be barefoot.
  • Only one rider to enter the slide at a time. Single riders only!
  • Never form chains.
  • The slide must be ridden feet first lying on your back with legs firmly crossed at ankles and hands clasped firmly behind your head.
  • Riders must wait for the signal to turn green before starting to ride.
  • Do not run, dive, stand, kneel, or stop in the slide.
  • At the end of the slide, exit quickly and obey all instructions by the attendant.
  • CAUTION: For safety reasons, pregnant women and persons with heart conditions or back trouble and persons exceeding 250 lbs. should not ride this slide.
  • This area is designed for children 48" and under along with their adult supervisor.
  • Do not enter the Pool if you have a communicable disease or open cut.
  • Do not bring food, drink, gum or tobacco in to the pool.
  • Shower before entering the pool and after use of toilet facilities.
  • Do not run or engage in rough play in the pool area.
  • When riding the slides do not make chains. Ride slides in seated position, legs extended in front – NEVER headfirst.
  • Do not stand at the top of any slide.
  • Swimming attire with buckles, rivets, or any sharp objects are not permitted.
  • Do not bring animals in to the pool area.
  • Diaper changing on the pool deck is prohibited.
  • Glass and shatterable items are prohibited in the pool area.
  • Swim diapers are required for all participants not toilet trained.
  • No diving.
  • Maximum weight limit is 500 lbs. total. Riders will be asked to verify total weight on a scale before riding.
  • Persons under 42" tall must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Splash pool is 3 feet, 6 inches deep. Do not jump or dive from the raft into the pool.
  • Eyeglasses must be securely affixed to riders with head straps. No loose articles permitted.
  • Swimwear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets, or metal ornaments is not permitted. Riders must be barefoot.
  • Step into rafts carefully – no jumping, standing, or diving.
  • Sit in rafts fully-seated, holding handles with both hands.
  • Riders must stay in the rafts during the ride. If you accidentally fall from the raft, continue on down the slide without it and exit normally.
  • Riders must wait for the attendants to start the ride.
  • Keep arms and hands inside the tubes at all times.
  • CAUTION: For safety reasons, pregnant women and persons with heart conditions or back trouble and/or persons exceeding 250 lbs. should not ride this slide. Riders will be asked to verify total weight on a scale before riding.
  • Deepest point: 6 feet.
  • All guests less than 48" tall must be in arm's reach of an adult at all times.
  • Life jackets are required for children under 48" tall and are recommended for weak swimmers.
  • Children under 48 inches tall may not pass the 4-foot depth marker.
  • Only life jackets authorized by the resort shall be allowed in the wave pool, only Coast Guard Certified floatation devices are permitted (Complimentary life jackets available at Guest Service Area).
  • Prolonged exposure to wave action may result in fatigue.
  • Exercise caution in deep water.
  • Maximum operational load: 2 persons, 400 lbs.
  • Persons under 42" tall are not permitted on this ride.
  • Splash pool depth is 4 feet.
  • No eyewear or flotation devices are permitted.
  • Swimwear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets, or metal ornaments is not permitted.
  • Riders must be barefoot.
  • Only one inner tube to enter the slide at a time.
  • Never form chains.
  • Tubes should be ridden in a seated position, facing forward.
  • Riders must stay on the tubes during the ride.
  • If you accidentally fall from the tube, continue on down the slide without it and exit normally.
  • Riders must wait for the attendants start signal before starting the ride.
  • Keep arms and hands inside the tubes at all times.
  • Do not run, dive, stand, kneel, rotate, or stop in the slide.
  • CAUTION: For safety reasons, pregnant women and persons with heart conditions or back trouble and persons exceeding 250 lbs. should not ride this slide.

Outdoor Waterpark

  • Life vests are required for all children under 48". At Kalahari Resorts, the safety and security of our guests is our number one priority. In our indoor and outdoor Waterparks, Kalahari is proud to meet, and in many cases, exceed state and federal guidelines for Waterpark safety. Although many children possess excellent swimming capabilities in standard pools, Kalahari Resorts requires all children under 48" to wear a life vest for added safety while enjoying our Waterparks. You are encouraged to bring your own life vest if it is well fitting and U.S. Coast Guard approved. Complimentary life vests are available in the Waterpark on a first come first served basis.
  • Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • State law prohibits any food or beverage to be brought in from outside the Waterpark.
  • A scale is available at each ride for any weight-related inquiries.
  • Double Whirly Wheel tubes only.
  • Please hold on to tube handles during the duration of the ride.
  • Guests must be 42" or taller to ride.
  • Only guests wearing suitable swimming attire may ride.
  • Footwear is not to be worn while riding.
  • Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions or respiratory problems, guests with neck or back problems, guests exceeding 250 lbs., and guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not ride Anaconda.
  • Riders should have the physical and cognitive abilities to remain upright in a seated position within the vehicle throughout the course of the ride. Riders will enter into a splash pool, and are expected to exit the pool as quickly as possible.
  • Single riders only.
  • Each rider is required to use Kalahari race mats only.
  • Ride exits into 18 inches of water.
  • Each rider will lie on his/her stomach on the mat in the prone position, head first.
  • Exit landing area by walking straight ahead, not across lanes.
  • Return mat to designated mat area.
  • Only guests wearing suitable swimming attire may ride.
  • Footwear is not to be worn while riding.
  • Guests must be 42" tall to ride.
  • Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions or respiratory problems, guests with neck or back problems, guests exceeding 250 lbs., and guest under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not ride Extreme Rush.
  • Riders should have the physical and cognitive abilities to remain in a head first position while holding onto mat handles and maintaining control throughout the course of the ride. Riders will encounter strong acceleration and deceleration forces from the front, rear and all sides during the course of the ride.
  • Riders must remained seated at all times.
  • No rough play.
  • Life jackets are required for children under 48" tall and are recommended for weak swimmers.
  • WARNING: No diving or jumping.
  • Elderly persons and patrons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, or high or low blood pressure should not enter the whirlpool.
  • Due to health and safety concerns and per Wisconsin state law, children under 6 years of age are not permitted to use hot tubs.
  • Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not use the whirlpool.
  • Pregnant women should consult their physician regarding whirlpool usage.
  • Lengthy exposure may be hazardous to your health and may result in nausea, dizziness or fainting.
  • Children that are not toilet-trained are required to wear swim diapers.
  • Repeated or extended use of hot tubs may cause eye, throat and skin irritations.
  • Single riders only, no tandem riding (riding in a lap).
  • Single tubes only.
  • Please hold on to the tube handles during the duration of the ride.
  • Riders need to be 42" or taller to ride.
  • Only guests wearing suitable swimming attire may ride.
  • Footwear is not to be worn while riding.
  • Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions or respiratory problems, guests with neck or back problems, guests exceeding 250 lbs., and guest under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not ride Swahili Swirl.
  • Riders should have the physical and cognitive abilities to remain upright in a seated position within the vehicle throughout the course of the ride. Riders will enter into a run out at the exit of the slide, and are expected to exit the flume as quickly as they can.
  • WARNING: Splash pool depth is 3 feet.
  • Minimum height requirement for guests using this waterslide is 48in. (1,220 mm). UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD GUESTS LESS THAN 48 in. (1,220 mm) BE PERMITTED TO USE THIS WATERSLIDE.
  • The maximum combined weight limit for this ride is 700 lbs. (317.1 kg). Riders will be asked to verify total weight on a scale before riding.
  • Follow the instructions of the attendant.
  • Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions, guests with neck or back problems, and guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted to ride.
  • Single vehicles only are to be dispatched. No chains or multiples of vehicles are permitted. This attraction is meant for 2-4 riders only. Only the 4 person tube is allowed on this attraction. NO SINGLE OR DOUBLE TUBES ALLWED.
  • Riders and tubes are not permitted to remain in THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS runout. Guests should exit with their tube at THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS runout as quickly as possible.
  • Only guests wearing suitable swimming attire may ride the flume. Swimming attire with buckles, rivets, or any sharp objects are not permitted, as they may damage the flume and/or tubes.
  • Shoes, sandals or footwear with buckles are not permitted to be worn while riding.
  • For riders to safely experience THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS, each such rider should have the physical and cognitive abilities to hold themselves in an upright seated position within the vehicle throughout the course of the ride. All riders should firmly grasp the handles of the tubes at all times during the ride, up to and including entry to THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS runout at the exit of the waterslide. Guests will encounter strong acceleration and deceleration forces from the front, rear and all sides during the course of the ride.
  • No standing, kneeling, rotating or stopping in the flume.
  • Maximum pool patron load: 9.
  • NO DIVING
  • Single and Double Tubes only.
  • Single and Double riders only, no tandem riding.
  • Please hold on to tube handles during the duration of the ride.
  • Riders need to be 42" or taller to ride.
  • Only guests wearing suitable swimming attire may ride.
  • Footwear is not to be worn while riding.
  • Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions or respiratory problems, guests with neck or back problems, guests exceeding 250 lbs., and guest under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not ride attraction.
  • Riders should have the physical and cognitive abilities to remain upright in a seated position within the vehicle throughout the course of the ride. Riders will enter into a splash pool at the exit of the slide, and are expected to exit the pool as quickly as they are able.
  • Only one rider at a time.
  • Only guests wearing suitable swimming attire may ride.
  • Footwear is not to be worn while riding.
  • Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions or respiratory problems, guests with neck or back problems, guests exceeding 250 lbs., and guest under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not ride attraction.
  • Riders should have the physical and cognitive abilities to remain in the supine position. Guests should lay feet first; face up, with their legs crossed at the ankles.
  • Hands should be clasped behind their neck, with arms hugging their ears and elbows pointing towards the front, while controlling their limbs throughout the course of the ride. Riders will encounter strong acceleration and deceleration forces from the front, rear and all sides during the course of the ride. Riders will enter into a splash pool, and are expected to exit the pool as quickly as they are able.

Tom Foolerys Adventure Park

  • Guests must be at least 44" tall to ride.
  • Guest must safetly fit in the harness.
  • Belay rope should stay in between shoulders at all times.
  • Climbers must not climb up the belay rope or use it as an aid.
  • Must not climb above the top belay anchor.
  • Climb straight to the top, no zig zagging.
  • Do not cross belay ropes.
  • Shoes must be closed-toed and secure.
  • Pockets must be empty.
  • No loose objects such as cell phones or cameras.
  • No smoking in line or on the attractions.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted on this attraction.
  • The park is not responsible for articles that are lost, damaged or unattended.
  • Pregnant woman, guests with heart conditions, respiratory problems, significant physical ailment or condition, high blood pressure or nervous disorder, guests with neck or back problems and guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not ride attraction.
  • A scale is available at each ride for any weight-related inquiries.
  • Guests under 42" tall must be accompanied by an adult to ride.
  • Guests should be in good physical condition to ride.
  • No throwing objects from ride.
  • No standing while ride is in motion.
  • Keep hands and arms inside gondola.
  • No smoking in line or on the attraction.
  • Shirts, shorts and shoes must be worn at all times while riding.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted on this attraction.
  • Kalahari Resort is not responsible for articles that are lost, damaged or unattended.
  • Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions, respiratory problems, significant physical ailment or condition, high blood pressure or nervous disorder, guests with neck or back problems, and guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not ride attraction.
  • Guests under 55" tall must be accompanied by an adult to ride.
  • All participants must be at least 4 years old to ride with an adult and at least 42".
  • Guests should be in good physical condition to ride.
  • Start/Stop only at the attendant's signal.
  • Stay in the vehicle while on track.
  • Loose hair and clothing must be secured.
  • Must obey all verbal instructions of the attendant.
  • No standing while ride is in motion.
  • Keep hands and arms inside the vehicle.
  • No smoking in line or on the attraction.
  • Shirt, shorts and shoes must be worn at all times while riding.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted on this attraction.
  • Kalahari Resort is not responsible for articles that are lost, damaged or unattended.
  • Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions, respiratory problems, significant physical ailment or condition, high blood pressure or nervous disorder, guests with neck or back problems and guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not ride this attraction.
  • Guests must be at least 5 years old to play.
  • Guests should be in good physical condition to play.
  • No Running. No Pushing.
  • No smoking in line or on the attraction.
  • Shirts, shorts and shoes must be worn at all times while riding.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted on this attraction.
  • Kalahari Resort is not responsible for articles that are lost, damaged or unattended.
  • Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions, respiratory problems, significant physical ailment or condition, high blood pressure or nervous disorder, neck or back problems, epilepsy, prone to seizures or asthma, and guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not ride attraction.
  • Guests under 42" tall must be accompanied by an adult to ride.
  • Guests should be in good physical condition to ride.
  • No throwing objects from ride.
  • No standing while ride is in motion.
  • Keep hands and arms inside the carousel.
  • No smoking in line or on the attraction.
  • Shirts, shorts and shoes must be worn at all times while riding.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted on this attraction.
  • Kalahari Resort is not responsible for articles that are lost, damaged or unattended.
  • Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions, respiratory problems, significant physical ailment or condition, high blood pressure or nervouse disorder, guests with neck or back problems, and guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not ride attraction.
  • Adults must accompany children under 10 years of age.
  • Please limit your group to no more than four (4) people.
  • Please do not start play until players ahead have finished.
  • Please stay on course at all times - no running.
  • Please allow faster players to play through - be courteous.
  • Please stay out of ponds & landscaping areas of course.
  • Please use putting strokes only - no full swings.
  • Guests must be at least 44" tall to ride.
  • Guests 44-48" tall must be accompanied by an adult to ride.
  • Guests must safetly fit in the harness.
  • Sling should stay in between shoulders at all times.
  • Sling line must be on the trailing side of your neck and head when moving sideways.
  • Do not touch the overhead tracking system.
  • Maximum weight is 300 lbs.
  • Shoes must be closed-toed and secure.
  • Pockets must be empty.
  • No loose objects such as cell phones or cameras.
  • No smoking in line or on the attraction.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted on this attraction.
  • Only one climber on an activity at a time except if a child is being assisted by an adult.
  • No Running or Horseplay.
  • Kalahari Resort is not responsible for articles that are lost, damaged or unattended.
  • Pregnant women, guests with heart conditions, respiratory problems, significant physical ailment or condition, high blood pressure or nervous disorder, neck or back problems, epilepsy, prone to seizures or asthma, and guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not ride attraction.
  • Cell phones not permitted on the attraction.
  • Maximum weight 300lbs (136kg).
  • Must be 42" (106cm) to participate.
  • Must safely fit in the harness.
  • Follow operator instructions, posted rules, & signs.
  • Ensure that shoes are tied and secure.
  • Closed-toed shoes required.
  • Please remove all jewelry and loose objects from pockets.
  • Eye glasses must be secure.
  • Long hair must be tied back.
  • Operators are not responsible for lost or misplaced items.
  • Dispose of gum, food, or drinks before participating.