Health + Safety
Bird Dog is a wild sauna — wood-fired, outdoors and shared with others. Please read this before booking so you know what to expect and how to look after yourself.
How we look after you
We’ve got the essentials covered — public liability insurance, risk and fire risk assessments, and a health and safety policy. Your host has completed first aid, fire marshal and health and safety training.
Every session starts with a short safety briefing, and your host is on hand throughout. Follow their guidance, stay within the guest areas and let them know if you need anything.
Your health
Bird Dog is for guests aged 18 and over.
Please only attend if you feel fit and well enough to take part. Do not attend if you feel unwell, have a fever, an open wound or contagious skin condition, or are under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.
If you are pregnant; have a heart, blood-pressure, circulatory or respiratory condition; have diabetes or epilepsy; are prone to dizziness or fainting; or take medication that could affect your response to heat or cold, seek advice from a suitably qualified healthcare professional before booking.
Please contact us before booking if you have an allergy or sensitivity to essential oils.
Looking after yourself
You are responsible for deciding whether you are fit and well enough to take part, following your host’s safety guidance and staying within your own limits.
Take breaks whenever you need them, drink water and tell your host straight away if you feel unwell.
There’s no competition and no pressure to stay in the heat.
Sauna + cold water
The cold plunge is entirely optional — you’re welcome to cool down in the fresh air instead.
Shower before using the plunge. Pause after the sauna and let your breathing settle before entering slowly. Keep your head above water, breathe normally and never hold your breath.
Leave the sauna or plunge straight away if you feel dizzy, faint, unwell or uncomfortable, and tell your host.
For further reading: British Sauna Society — Sauna + Cold Water Safety.britishsaunasociety.org
While you're here
Every session starts with a short safety briefing. Please follow it, along with any instructions from your host.
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Sit on a towel in the sauna.
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Do not touch the stove, flue or hot surfaces.
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Take care on wet and uneven outdoor ground.
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No alcohol, recreational drugs, smoking or vaping.
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Leave personal oils and scented products at home.
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Tell us straight away if you feel unwell or spot something unsafe.
Entry + conduct
Bird Dog Sauna may refuse entry or end a session where there is a reasonable concern for someone’s health, safety or behaviour.