Recovery Den Waiver – Recovery Den

Sauna, Cold Plunge & Compression Therapy

Waiver and Release of Liability

Effective Date: April 1, 2025
Updated: October 22, 2025
Facility Location: 14 Garrard Rd, Unit 4, Whitby, ON L1N 3K3

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING

By signing this waiver, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all terms and conditions outlined below. This waiver applies to your use of infrared sauna, cold plunge therapy, compression therapy (when available), and all associated facilities and services at The Recovery Den.

1. HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS

1.1 Medical Consultation Requirement

I understand that sauna therapy, cold plunge therapy, and compression therapy involve physical stress and may not be suitable for everyone. I acknowledge that:

I have consulted with a licensed physician or healthcare provider before participating in these therapies, OR
I have chosen to proceed without medical consultation and accept full responsibility for any consequences.

1.2 Pre-Existing Conditions & Contraindications

I acknowledge that the following conditions may increase risk and require medical clearance:

Cardiovascular Conditions:

Heart disease, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, arrhythmia, history of heart attack or stroke
Pacemakers or other implanted medical devices

Respiratory Conditions:

Asthma, COPD, or other chronic respiratory conditions

Cold Plunge-Specific Risks:

Cold plunge therapy may trigger cold shock response, including hyperventilation, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure
Individuals with Raynaud’s disease, cold urticaria, or cold sensitivity should exercise extreme caution

Sauna-Specific Risks:

Pregnancy, diabetes, seizure disorders, heat sensitivity
Use of medications that affect heart rate, blood pressure, or thermoregulation (including diuretics, beta-blockers, antihistamines)

Compression Therapy Risks:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clots, acute infections, open wounds, or severe circulation disorders

1.3 Communicable Diseases & Hygiene Requirements

I certify that:

I am not currently infected with any communicable disease (including but not limited to COVID-19, influenza, norovirus, or any contagious skin condition)
I do not have open sores, wounds, rashes, or skin infections on any part of my body
I will immediately notify The Recovery Den staff if I develop symptoms of illness within 48 hours of my visit

I understand that failure to disclose a communicable disease or active infection may result in immediate termination of membership and potential liability for exposing others.

2. ASSUMPTION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISKS

2.1 Voluntary Participation

I voluntarily choose to participate in sauna therapy, cold plunge therapy, and/or compression therapy at The Recovery Den. I understand that these therapies involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:

Dehydration, dizziness, fainting, nausea
Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, burns (sauna)
Hypothermia, cold shock response, cardiac events (cold plunge)
Muscle soreness, bruising, circulatory complications (compression therapy)
Slips, falls, or injuries while entering/exiting equipment
Aggravation of pre-existing medical conditions
In rare cases, serious injury or death

2.2 Personal Responsibility

I acknowledge that:

I am solely responsible for monitoring my own physical condition during therapy sessions
I will immediately discontinue use and exit the facility if I feel unwell, dizzy, faint, or experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or any other concerning symptoms
I will not exceed recommended time limits for sauna or cold plunge use
I understand that The Recovery Den does not provide medical supervision during sessions

3. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND FACILITY RULES

3.1 Cold Plunge Safety Requirements

I agree to follow all cold plunge safety rules:

No person infected with a communicable disease or having open sores shall enter the cold plunge
No glass containers are permitted in or near the cold plunge area
No polluting the water in any manner, including spitting, spouting water, or blowing your nose in the pool
No urinating or defecating in the cold plunge (violations will result in immediate termination and cleaning fees)
No nudity – appropriate swimwear or athletic attire must be worn at all times for hygiene and sanitary purposes
Shower before entering the cold plunge to remove lotions, oils, sweat, and other contaminants

3.2 Sauna Safety Requirements

I agree to follow all sauna safety rules:

Appropriate attire must be worn – swimwear, athletic shorts, or moisture-wicking clothing. Nudity is prohibited for hygiene and sanitary reasons.
Sit or lie on a clean towel – do not allow bare skin to contact sauna benches
No glass containers are permitted in the sauna
No alcohol or recreational drugs before or during sauna use
Limit sessions to recommended time intervals (typically 15-30 minutes, or as advised)
Stay hydrated – drink water before, during, and after sauna use
Exit immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or unwell

3.3 Compression Therapy Safety Requirements

I agree to follow all compression therapy guidelines:

Notify staff of any circulation issues, blood clots, or DVT history before use
Wear appropriate clothing as directed by staff
Report any discomfort, numbness, or pain immediately during therapy
Do not exceed recommended pressure settings or session duration

3.4 Proper Attire and Hygiene

For sanitary and safety reasons:

Nudity is strictly prohibited in all areas of The Recovery Den
Clean, appropriate athletic or swimwear must be worn during all therapy sessions
Personal hygiene is required – shower before using cold plunge or sauna
No street shoes in therapy areas – clean indoor footwear or bare feet only in designated zones

4. AGE RESTRICTIONS AND SUPERVISION

4.1 Sauna Use

Minimum age: 16 years old
Individuals aged 16-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

4.2 Cold Plunge Use

Children under 12 years old are not permitted in the cold plunge
Children aged 12-15 must be supervised by a responsible person aged 16 or older who remains within the facility during the entire session

4.3 Parental/Guardian Responsibility

Parents or guardians accompanying minors accept full responsibility for the minor’s safety, conduct, and adherence to all facility rules.

5. EXCLUSIVE ACCESS AND PRIVACY

5.1 Private Booking Model

I understand that The Recovery Den operates on an exclusive booking system:

Each booking reserves the entire facility (sauna, cold plunge, and all amenities) for the duration of my scheduled session
Only myself and my registered guests will have access during my booking time
No other members or guests will be present in the facility during my session

5.2 Video Surveillance

For the safety and security of all guests and staff:

Video surveillance cameras are installed in common areas, entry points, and facility hallways
Private therapy rooms, changing areas, and restrooms are NOT monitored
Video footage is securely stored, accessed only by authorized management, and used solely for security purposes
Recording, photographing, or filming other guests is strictly prohibited

6. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

6.1 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency telephone location: Visions Hair Studio (same building as The Recovery Den)
In case of emergency: Call 911 immediately, then notify Recovery Den staff

6.2 Emergency Response

I understand that:

The Recovery Den staff are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical treatment
In the event of a medical emergency, staff will contact emergency services
I am responsible for providing accurate emergency contact information

7. AGREEMENT TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS

I agree to:

Follow all verbal and written instructions provided by The Recovery Den staff
Adhere to posted safety guidelines and facility rules at all times
Review and comply with Recovery Den Etiquette Guidelines available at: https://recoveryden.ca/recovery-den-etiquette/
Immediately cease any behavior that staff deem unsafe or disruptive

Failure to follow directions may result in immediate termination of session without refund and/or suspension of membership.

8. BOOKING, CANCELLATION, AND NO-SHOW POLICY

I acknowledge and agree to the following policies:

No-Show Fee: $20 – Charged if I fail to attend a scheduled appointment without prior cancellation
Late Cancellation Fee: $10 – Charged if I cancel within 6 hours of my scheduled appointment time
Fees will be charged to the payment method on file
Repeated no-shows or late cancellations may result in suspension or termination of booking privileges

9. WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

9.1 Release of Claims

In consideration of being permitted to use the facilities and services at The Recovery Den, I hereby:

WAIVE, RELEASE, AND DISCHARGE The Recovery Den, its owners, operators, employees, contractors, agents, and affiliates from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, injury, or death that may be sustained by me while using the facilities, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.
INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS The Recovery Den from any loss, liability, damage, or costs (including legal fees) that may arise from my use of the facilities or my breach of this agreement.

9.2 Medical and Emergency Expenses

I agree to assume full financial responsibility for any medical treatment or emergency services required as a result of my participation in therapies at The Recovery Den.

9.3 Property Damage

I agree to be financially responsible for any damage I cause to The Recovery Den’s property, equipment, or facilities, whether intentional or accidental.

10. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

By signing below, I acknowledge that:

I have read and fully understand this entire waiver
I have had the opportunity to ask questions and have received satisfactory answers
I am signing this waiver voluntarily and without any inducement or assurance
I understand that this waiver is legally binding and affects my legal rights
I am at least 18 years of age (or my parent/guardian is signing on my behalf if I am a minor)
This waiver remains in effect for all future visits to The Recovery Den unless revoked in writing