Must be read and signed before use.

 

Sauna is a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but it is important to read and check the below information to make sure it is  safe experience for you and your group. The use of the sauna, log burner and cold plunge pool is at your own risk

If you are signing the waiver on behalf of a group (e.g everyone in your cottage), it is your responsibility to make sure all users are aware of the safe sauna use, the terms and conditions of the waiver form and are aware of what to bring.

Our sauna operates on a self service basis so you will need to light the log burning sauna stove yourself and allow it to get up to operating temperature which will take 45-60 minutes. 

 

What to bring

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• Swimwear

• A towel

• Drinking water (no glass or metal bottles)

• Advised - crocs / water shoes / flip flops (especially if using the cold plunge pool)

• Advised - a changing robe

 

What temperature is the sauna?

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Most people enjoy the sauna between 60-90oC. 

 

Using the sauna

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• Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

• Please leave all footwear outside the sauna.

• Wear swimwear and sit on a towel within the sauna for hygiene purposes & to soak up your sweat.

• Our sauna is a ‘dry sauna’. Please do not pour water on the stones. Please do not add oils or anything else to the stones

• Take care when moving in or outside the sauna and plunge pool - be aware of wet or uneven surfaces or sharp stones. Occasionally bits of old glass bottles and pottery from the old mill make their way to the surface of the soil or are exposed by the running water so we advise against bare feet in the plunge pool.

• Alcohol, drugs, smoking and vaping are not permitted in the sauna or around the sauna site.

• Avoid eating 1-2 hours before the sauna, as you may feel nauseous

• We recommend jewellery/watches/glasses are removed before entering the sauna to prevent the risk of burning. Phones can also be damaged by the sauna.

• Do not stay too long in the sauna.  Know your limits.  We recommend a cold dip or stroll outside of the sauna every 5-15 minutes.  Alternating between hot and cold will heighten the senses, rejuvenating you and enhancing your sauna experience

• All persons using the stream pool as a ‘cold plunge’ do so at their own risk. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you can cope being exposed to the cold temperatures.

• The sauna should not be used by anyone feeling unwell.  Or whilst using the sauna, if you feel unwell, dizzy, sleepy or uncomfortable please leave the sauna immediately. 

• All personal belongings are left at your own risk.

 

Children and the Sauna

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The sauna is a great place for families to relax together and children aged 4 and above can use the sauna however it is imperative that a responsible adult observes how a child’s body is responding to the high temperatures and is aware of signs of discomfort such as dizziness, headaches and feeling too hot. As a very rough guide, our children aged 4 and 6 enjoy the sauna with us at about 40oC for 5-10 minute sessions and splash up to their knees in the plunge pool between sessions. 

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• Ratio of Adults to children under 12 is 1:1. 

• Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

• Children should never be left unattended.

• The stove is very hot and would cause severe burns if touched or fallen against.  

• As a rule, the younger the child, the more vigilant the adult needs to be.

 

Health and Fitness Requirements

 

• Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their GP, or a pharmacist, for possible changes in the drug’s effect when the body is exposed to elevated temperatures. Some medications including diuretics, barbiturates, and beta-blockers, may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanisms. Some over-the-counter drugs such, as antihistamines, may also cause the body to be more prone to heat stroke.

• Pregnant women should consult their GP before using the sauna.

• Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, or problems (hypertension/hypotension), congestive heart failure, impaired coronary circulation, or those who are taking medications which might affect blood pressure, should exercise extreme caution when exposed to prolonged heat. If using a pacemaker, or defibrillator, please discuss risks involved with your GP.

• If you have had a heart attack in the last 6 months, please seek medical advice prior to using the sauna.

• If you have severe arterial disease, please seek medical advice prior to using the sauna.

• If you have a recent joint injury, it should not be heated for the first 48 hours after injury, or until the hot and swollen symptoms subside. If you have joints that are chronically hot and swollen, these joints may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind.

• Metal pins, rods, artificial joints, or any other surgical implants, are not heated by this system, generally. However, the usage of a sauna must be discontinued if you experience pain near any such implants.

• An individual that has insensitivity to heat should seek medical advice, before entering the sauna.

 

Risks of operating the log burner

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Using a wood burning sauna stove comes with inherent fire risks and the risk of burns when operating. Vigilant operation, and adherence to safety regulations are crucial to mitigate these risks.

 

 

• Follow the log burner operating instructions accurately 

• Never leave the door of the log burner open and the sauna unattended to prevent sparks coming out of the stove.

• Use the provided gloves when adding logs to the stove

• Do not overload the stove with logs. 

• There is a fire extinguisher located outside the sauna door in case of emergency. 

• In the case of anyone receiving burns from the log burner cool the burnt area immediately in running water and seek medical advice. 

 

Assumption of Risk & Liability Waiver

​In consideration of being permitted to use the Sauna facilities, you the user hereby execute this Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver Form (the ‘Waiver’) upon making your appointment either online or in person. This Waiver covers the entirety of your period of use of the Sauna and surrounding areas including the cold plunge pool, pathways and steps to the sauna and cold plunge pool. 

For the purposes of this Waiver the “Owner Related Parties” refers to the Owner’s management, employees, subcontractors, agents and representatives, volunteers, sponsors, insurance carrier or equipment suppliers.

 

Risk Factors

I understand and acknowledge that my use of the Sauna involves risks including, but not limited to the risk of property damage, bodily injury and possibly death.

These risks may result from a variety of circumstances including, but not limited to;

1. Use or misuse of the Sauna

2. Actions of myself and/or others, including without limitation actions of the Owner or any Owner Related Party

3. Lack of supervision of the Sauna by trained personnel or otherwise; and/or

4. Unavailability of emergency care.

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Acknowledgement of Sauna Rules & Regulations

I acknowledge, warrant and confirm as follows:

1. This Sauna is not supervised inside the Sauna by the Owner, its employees or any Owner related parties

2. I have read and agree to comply with all of the Sauna rules & Regulations and understand that the safe and proper use of the Sauna is dependent upon strict compliance with the Sauna’s Rules & Regulations.

3. I have no health problems whatsoever which preclude me from using the sauna.

4. I have the requisite skill, qualification, physical ability and training necessary to properly and safely use the Sauna, should I have any questions as to what skill, qualification, or training necessary to properly and safely use the Sauna, then I shall direct such questions to my physician and or the appropriate individuals.

5. I understand that the Owner reserves the right to revoke or terminate my authorisation to use the Sauna for any violation of this Waiver, or the Sauna Rules & Regulations.

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Assumption of Risk

I am electing to use the Sauna of my own free will and confirm that my decision to use the Sauna and to execute this Waiver is entirely voluntary, I assume full responsibility for all risks that may arise out of or result from, directly or indirectly, my use of the Sauna, including, but not limited to the risks described in Section 1 above. Excepted from this section are any injuries caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the Owner or any Owner Related Party.

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Payment for Damages

I agree to pay for any and all damages to any property belonging to the Owner or any Owner Related Party caused by me negligently, wilfully or otherwise. I agree to the cleaning charge of £60 that will be applied if any of the wooden surfaces require prolonged attention due to staining from lotions or ointments due to lack of appropriate towel use. 

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Insurance

I understand that I am solely responsible for any medical, health or personal injury costs relating to my use of the Sauna. I understand that I am strongly encouraged to have a medical physical examination prior to the use of the Sauna.

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Jurisdiction

This Waiver and any disputes arising therefrom shall be governed by the laws of the United Kingdom.

 

Release Waiver and Indemnity

I, my spouse (if any), heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, hereby release, waive, discharge hold harmless covenant not to sue the Owner nor any of the Owner-related parties for any and all claims, liabilities, judgements, costs and expenses related to such claims, for any property damage, property loss or theft, personal injury or illness, death or other loss arising from or relating to my use of the Sauna, I also agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Owner and Owner-related Parties from and against any claims, including, without limitation, claims made by other Sauna users, employees, rescuers or any other person, arising from or related to my own acts or omissions in connection with my use of the Sauna.

I hereby further waive any protections afforded by law in respect of any claims arising from my use of the Sauna, including unknown future claims.

 

Severability

If any provision or part-provision of this Waiver is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal and enforceable. If such modification is not possible, the relevant provisions or part-provision shall be deemed deleted. It is the express intention of the parties that any modification to or deletion of a provision or part-provision under this clause shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the rest of this Waiver.

 

Merger

This waiver together with the terms of the Sauna Rules and Regulations as provided to the Sauna User set forth the entire agreement between parties with respect to the use of the Sauna. There have been no additional oral or written representations or agreements of or with the Owner or any Owner-related Party on which I have relied in entering into this Assumption and Waiver.

 

Waiver

By using the Sauna you confirm that you have read and fully understand the Sauna Rules and Regulations, benefits, risks and tips, and this Waiver and understand that it relates to the surrendering and releasing of my legal rights. Upon such you agree to this Waiver freely and voluntarily, with the full intent of releasing the Owner and Owner Related Parties from liability for injury or loss due to the inherent risks of my use of the Sauna.

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Waiver created and signed by

Hamilton Cottages Limited

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