Preamble
We, the worldwide community of water sports enthusiasts, unite not through an organisation, but through a shared attitude. This Charta defines who we are, how we treat one another, and what responsibility we bear – towards nature, towards other people, and towards the waters we love.
I. Our identity
We are an open, global community. Everyone who respects and loves the water belongs – regardless of sport, skill, equipment, origin, age or background. There is no hierarchy of water. The beginner paddling for the first time is just as much part of us as the experienced diver with a thousand dives.
II. Our values
Freedom Waters are a common natural heritage. We are committed to ensuring access to natural waters for everyone – today and for those who come after us. Responsibility We use nature – and we protect it. The two belong inseparably together. What we love, we preserve. Openness We share knowledge, experiences and places in a way that benefits others – without burdening nature or local communities. Respect Respect applies to nature, other athletes, local cultures, and the people who live, work and depend on waters. Community We help one another – on the water, on the shore and everywhere in between. A nod is enough. An outstretched arm too.
III. Our responsibility towards nature
We commit to: Leaving waters, shores and underwater worlds as we found them – or better. Respecting protected areas, closed seasons and local conservation rules, and passing them on actively. Reporting litter, damage and pollution and, where possible, removing it ourselves. Shaping our presence and behaviour so that nature and wildlife are not disturbed.
IV. Our responsibility towards local communities
We often come from elsewhere. The people who live by waters – fishers, residents, local cultures – were there first. Their relationship with water is not a hobby, but often livelihood and identity. We commit to: Respecting local rules, traditions and rights of use. Informing ourselves before we become active at a new spot. Seeking contact, not avoiding it – and listening before we judge. Supporting local economic and cultural structures, not bypassing them.
V. Our responsibility towards one another
Water can be dangerous. That is why we look out for one another – without exception. We commit to: Helping immediately in emergencies, as best we can. Supporting newcomers, not belittling them. Passing on experience – about spots, conditions, hazards. Being a community where no one has to enter the water alone when it is not safe.
VI. Our rights as a community
Every member of this community has the right: to simply be there – without having to perform, document or compete. to free, honest expression about experiences and places. to a community that excludes or devalues no one. to be heard – when a spot needs protection, when rules are broken, when something is wrong.
VII. Scope
This Charta applies wherever people experience water sports together, talk about them or document them – on the water, on land and digitally.
Signing
This Charta is not a contract in the legal sense. It is a promise – to the water, to one another and to all who come after us.
Initiated by the BlueSpots Community, 2026.
This document is in the public domain and may be freely used, translated and shared by any person, organisation or community.