Health & Hygiene

COVID-19 POLICY

  • We strongly encourage that all participants be fully vaccinated

  • We will follow the most current policies and guidelines suggested by local and provincial authorities for both participants and artists/performers.

  • To reduce the spread of all respiratory viruses including COVID-19 and the flu, anyone with new symptom(s) of any respiratory virus should stay home.

  • Any participant who visibly shows the symptoms of COVID-19 may be asked to leave, in which case we will do our best to rebook a different session for them, subject to availability.

  • Mask wearing will be determined at the discretion of each individual participant based on their personal risk assessment and overall comfort level.

LIABILITY WAIVER:

SAUNA & HEALTH: It is important that you understand how to use the saunas at Public Sweat and to gradually introduce your body to it to produce the best results. Hydration is a requirement for sauna use and drinking water is recommended both before and after sauna use. 

FIRST AID & HARM REDUCTION: A first aid kit and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) will be available onsite. A naloxone kit will also be available onsite. Naloxone can reserve an opioid overdose, including fentanyl.

MEDICATIONS: Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their physician or a pharmacist for possible changes in the drug's effect when the body is exposed to elevated body temperatures. Some medications including diuretics, barbiturates, and beta-blockers and others 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. 

CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS: 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. Heat stress increases cardiac output and blood flow in an effort to transfer internal body heat to the outside environment via the skin (perspiration) and respiratory systems. If using a pacemaker or defibrillator, please advise staff beforehand.

DO NOT USE the sauna if you are Pregnant (fetal damage can occur with a certain elevated body temperature), or have Hemophilia, Fever, or Heat Insensitivity.

CHRONIC CONDITIONS: Various chronic conditions including Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumors, Lupus, Diabetes with Neuropathy and other conditions are associated with impaired sweating. Please consult a physician before use if you have a chronic condition. 

JOINT INJURY / ENCLOSED INFECTIONS: Recent joint injuries should not be heated for the first 48 hours after injury or until the hot and swollen symptoms subside. If you have chronically hot and swollen joints they may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind. Vigorous heating should also be  avoided in cases of infection. 

AGE REQUIREMENTS: The core body temperature of children rises much faster than adults due to a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. If the user is under 18 they must be accompanied by a legal guardian at all times.

ELDERLY: The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. This is primarily due to circulatory conditions and decreased sweat gland function. The body must be able to activate its natural cooling processes in order to maintain core body temperature. If you have concerns related to sauna use as it relates to your age please consult your medical Physician prior to use.

In the rare event that you experience dizziness, pain and/or discomfort, immediately discontinue sauna use.

PHOTOGRAPHY: I acknowledge that by participating in Public Sweat I may be photographed and hereby authorize Art Spin and its assigns and transferees to copyright, use and publish these photographs in print and/or electronically for such purposes as publicity, advertising and web/social media content.

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY:  

I acknowledge and accept the risks inherent in my participation in Public Sweat including use of the sauna & water features. I agree to observe and obey all posted rules, guidelines and warnings and further agree to follow any oral instructions or directions given by Art Spin/Public Sweat staff or volunteers. If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately. 

I voluntarily assume the risk of injury, accident or death, which may arise from the use of the sauna or water features and all other associated activities and/or infrastructure on site. I and any of my heirs, executors, representatives or assigns hereby release and indemnify Art Spin, Harbourfront Centre and their sponsors, partners, directors, employees, volunteers and agents from and against any and all claims or liabilities for personal injury of any kind sustained during participation in Public Sweat and from any advice provided by any Art Spin/Public Sweat staff or volunteers or any representatives from Harbourfront Centre. I agree that this Waiver is in effect for all visits to Public Sweat, as well as any other activity offered at Public Sweat that I may participate in and will not expire unless requested by either party in writing, and understand it is my personal responsibility to consult with my Doctor regarding my participation.