Health, Safety & Liability Waiver

Version 1.0 - Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk & Indemnification Agreement

Governing Law: Province of British Columbia, Canada

IMPORTANT LEGAL DOCUMENT - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE AGREEING. THIS DOCUMENT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS. BY CLICKING "I AGREE" OR PROCEEDING WITH A BOOKING, YOU CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ALL TERMS OF THIS WAIVER.

1. Parties & Definitions

This Health, Safety and Liability Waiver (the "Waiver") is entered into between SaunaScout Inc. (or its operating entity), a marketplace platform that connects independent sauna hosts ("Hosts") with guests ("Guests") seeking sauna experiences. SaunaScout operates as an online intermediary and does not own, operate, manage, or control any sauna facility listed on its platform. "Host" refers to the independent individual or business entity who owns and operates the sauna facility and is solely responsible for its condition, safety, maintenance, and operation. "Guest" refers to you, the individual agreeing to this Waiver, and any person accompanying you to a session booked through SaunaScout. "Session" refers to any sauna experience, including traditional Finnish saunas, infrared saunas, barrel saunas, mobile saunas, cold plunge experiences, steam rooms, or any related activity booked through the SaunaScout platform.

2. Nature of SaunaScout's Role

SaunaScout is a technology platform and online marketplace. It facilitates connections between Hosts and Guests but does not provide sauna services directly. You acknowledge and agree that SaunaScout does not own, operate, or control any sauna listed on the platform. Each Host is an independent party solely responsible for their facility's safety, maintenance, cleanliness, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. SaunaScout does not inspect, certify, or guarantee any Host's facility, equipment, or operations. The contractual relationship for the sauna session is between you (the Guest) and the Host, not SaunaScout. SaunaScout makes no representations or warranties about the safety, suitability, or quality of any Host's facility or services.

3. Health Screening & Medical Contraindications

3.1 Absolute Contraindications - Do Not Use Sauna If:

You must NOT use the sauna if you have or have recently experienced any of the following. If any apply, do not proceed without written clearance from a licensed physician:

  • Unstable angina pectoris or active chest pain
  • Recent heart attack (myocardial infarction) within the past 4-8 weeks
  • Severe aortic valve stenosis or significant heart valve disease
  • Decompensated or severe congestive heart failure
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Active fever, acute infection, or communicable illness
  • You are under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or any substance that impairs judgment or thermoregulation
  • Active internal bleeding or hemophilia
  • You have had surgery within the past 4 weeks
  • You are under 18 years of age (minors are not permitted without written parental consent and Host approval)

3.2 Conditions Requiring Physician Clearance:

Consult your doctor BEFORE using a sauna if you have any of the following:

  • Any cardiovascular condition, including controlled hypertension, arrhythmia, or known heart disease
  • Pregnancy (any trimester - first trimester carries elevated risk)
  • Diabetes, particularly if accompanied by peripheral neuropathy or circulation problems
  • Neurological conditions including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or central nervous system disorders
  • Pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD)
  • Implanted metal pins, rods, artificial joints, or other surgical implants
  • Chronic kidney disease or impaired kidney function
  • Severe respiratory conditions including uncontrolled asthma or COPD
  • Current use of medications including diuretics, beta-blockers, blood thinners, antidepressants, or any medication affecting heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, or temperature regulation

4. Assumption of Risk

You acknowledge that sauna use and related activities involve inherent risks that cannot be fully eliminated. These include heat-related illness (heat exhaustion and heat stroke), dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, cardiovascular stress, dizziness or loss of consciousness, burns from hot surfaces or steam, slips and falls on wet surfaces, exacerbation of pre-existing medical conditions, adverse reactions to rapid temperature changes, adverse interactions between heat and medications, and injury from equipment or sauna structure. YOU VOLUNTARILY ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL RISKS, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, ARISING FROM YOUR PARTICIPATION IN ANY SESSION BOOKED THROUGH SAUNASCOUT.

5. Release & Waiver of Liability

IN CONSIDERATION OF BEING PERMITTED TO USE THE SAUNA FACILITIES BOOKED THROUGH SAUNASCOUT, AND TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE BRITISH COLUMBIA AND CANADIAN LAW, YOU HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE SaunaScout Inc., its directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, successors, and assigns, AND the Host, their family members, employees, and agents, FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, ACTIONS, AND CAUSES OF ACTION WHATSOEVER arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury (including death) that may be sustained by you while booking, travelling to, or participating in any session through SaunaScout. This release applies to claims arising from the NEGLIGENCE of SaunaScout and Host parties. You acknowledge that this release of negligence is specifically drawn to your attention and that you understand and accept it.

6. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SaunaScout and Host parties from and against any claims, liabilities, costs, expenses, and damages (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your breach of this Waiver, your negligent or wrongful acts during a Session, any injury or damage you cause to other guests or the Host, your failure to disclose relevant medical conditions, your use of the sauna while under the influence of alcohol or substances, or any violation of a Host's house rules or safety guidelines.

7. Guest Safety Responsibilities

  • Follow all safety instructions provided by the Host before and during the Session
  • Hydrate adequately before, during, and after sauna use
  • Exit the sauna immediately if you feel dizzy, faint, nauseous, or unwell
  • Limit sessions to a reasonable duration (typically 10-20 minutes) and take cooling breaks
  • Not use the sauna while intoxicated or under the influence of substances
  • Inform the Host of any medical conditions or medications before the Session
  • Notify the Host immediately of any injuries, accidents, or safety concerns

8. Platform Safety Acknowledgment

SaunaScout is a marketplace platform and does not provide medical or financial coverage for injuries sustained during Sessions. Hosts and guests are expected to follow SaunaScout platform safety guidelines and applicable laws.

9. Minors

This Waiver covers only guests who are 18 years of age or older. If you are bringing a minor guest, you must obtain prior written approval from the Host, and a parent or legal guardian must complete a separate Minor Participant Waiver. You assume full responsibility for the minor's safety and conduct.

10. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

This Waiver is governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any dispute arising from this Waiver shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of British Columbia. Before initiating legal proceedings, you agree to first attempt informal resolution by contacting [email protected].

11. Electronic Acceptance

Your electronic agreement (clicking "I Agree" or checking a box) constitutes a valid and binding signature under the Electronic Transactions Act, SBC 2001, c. 10 (British Columbia). Electronic acceptance is as legally binding as a handwritten signature. SaunaScout will retain a record of your electronic acceptance, including the date, time, and booking details.

12. Severability

If any provision of this Waiver is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. This Waiver constitutes the entire agreement between you and SaunaScout with respect to its subject matter.