Sign your waiver

1. What this is

This is a release of liability and assumption of risk. Read it. By signing you are giving up legal rights, including the right to sue. If you do not agree, do not sign and do not participate.

2. About me

I certify that I am at least 18 years old and that I am physically and mentally able to take part in heat and cold exposure. I have considered whether to seek medical advice and have obtained it if needed. I am not pregnant, or if I am, I have discussed this with my doctor.

I will not take part while impaired by alcohol or any other substance. I understand that heat lowers blood pressure and alcohol lowers it further.

3. Risks I accept

Sauna and cold-water use carry risks that cannot be removed, including: overheating, dehydration, fainting, burns from hot surfaces or the stove, slips and falls on wet or uneven ground, cold shock, involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, hypothermia, afterdrop, changes to heart rhythm or blood pressure, aggravation of existing conditions, injury, and in rare cases serious or permanent harm.

I accept these risks knowingly and voluntarily.

4. What I agree to do

I will follow instructions from SOMi staff. I will leave the sauna if I feel unwell, dizzy, nauseous, breathless or panicked. I will enter cold water slowly and stand still for the first few breaths rather than jumping or diving. I will leave the water if my hands stop working properly. I will not bring glass into the sauna area.

5. Release

To the fullest extent permitted by Michigan law, I release, waive and discharge Sauna Outdoors Michigan LLC (SOMi Sauna), its owners, staff, volunteers and anyone hosting it (the “Released Parties”) from all claims arising from my participation, including claims based on their ordinary negligence. I covenant not to sue them for any such claim.

This release does not apply to gross negligence, wilful misconduct, or anything else that cannot lawfully be released.

6. Photographs, and how long this lasts

By signing, I give SOMi permission to photograph or film at sessions and to use those images for promotion. If I later want an image of me removed, I can email hello@somisauna.com and SOMi will take it down. This agreement remains in effect for twelve months and applies to every SOMi session I attend in that period.

7. Belle Isle open-water addendum

I understand that shoreline or river access may be unofficial, ungroomed, unguarded and undesignated for swimming, and is not monitored by SOMi, the City of Detroit, the State of Michigan or park staff.

I understand swim-area buoys and markers may be absent or removed, that there may be no lifeguard on duty, and no rescue equipment immediately available.

I understand open-water entry may involve strong current, cold water, changing weather, wave action, drop-offs, rocks, zebra mussels, debris, boat traffic, poor visibility, submerged hazards, contaminated water, and shoreline or dock hazards.

I agree that I am solely responsible for deciding whether to enter the water, how far to go, how long to stay in, whether I need flotation, and when to exit. I will not enter the water if conditions appear unsafe for me.

By signing once, I acknowledge both the main waiver and this addendum. If there is any conflict, the broader assumption of risk, release, indemnity and covenant not to sue apply to the fullest extent permitted by law.

8. Michigan law

This agreement is governed by Michigan law. If any part is held unenforceable, the rest remains in force.