Staying Safe in the Spa: Using The Y’s Spa, Sauna, and Steam Rooms Safely

Staying Safe at The Y:

Using the Spa, Sauna, and Steam Rooms Safely

Relaxing in a jacuzzi, a sauna, or a steam room can be the perfect recovery after a hard workout, a good swim, or a stressful week. Using these spaces for their therapeutic heat has range of health benefits, but they must be used with caution. Long exposure to high heat, especially when the body is already dehydrated, can be dangerous. That’s why we are sharing the important policies in place to keep these relaxing areas safe for everyone. Check out the guidelines for using the Jacuzzi Spa, Sauna, and Steam Room below!

Jacuzzi Spa Use

The Santa Monica Family YMCA’s rules for Safe Jacuzzi Spa Use are as follows:

Members using the spa are required to take a 15-minute break from the spa after ten minutes of use to allow their bodies to cool down. Long exposure may result in hyperthermia, nausea, dizziness, fainting, and/or more serious and life-threatening side effects.
Elderly persons, pregnant women, and those with health conditions should consult with a physician before entering the spa.
Youth 12 – 14 must be supervised by an adult while using the spa. Children under 12 may not use the spa.
Hot water immersion while under the influence of medications or other substances may lead to serious health consequences and is not recommended. Please consult a physician before using the spa.
All bathers must shower before entering the spa and wear a swim cap upon entry.

Why do we encourage breaks?

The spa’s high temperature can contribute to overheating and dehydration. Taking regular breaks allows members to cool down and helps reduce the risk of heat-related incidents, which can pose serious health risks.

Our lifeguards are tasked with keeping everyone in the Aquatics Center safe, including the Spa. If you have been using the Spa for longer than 15 minutes, you may be approached by a lifeguard who will remind you of the safety guideline. The lifeguard may say something like, “Just a quick reminder that we encourage members to take a 15-minute break from the spa. The heat can cause dehydration and overheating, so we want to make sure you’re staying safe.” Even if you are feeling fine, it’s very important you take regular breaks from the high heat. It’s often difficult to notice when overheating begins, and often sneak up on people, including fluctuations to blood pressure and heart rate.

Sauna & Steam Room Use

The Santa Monica Family YMCA’s rules for Safe Sauna & Steam Room Use are as follows:

Members using the Sauna & Steam Room are required to take a 15-minute break from these spaces after 15 minutes of use to allow their bodies to cool down. Long exposure may result in hyperthermia, nausea, dizziness, fainting, and/or more serious and life-threatening side effects.
Extended exposure to heat may cause nausea, dizziness, fainting, increased heart rate, elevated body temperature, and changes in blood pressure. Individuals with high or low blood pressure, heart disease, respiratory conditions, pregnancy, diabetes, epilepsy or seizure disorders, kidney disease, active skin infections, or other medical conditions should consult a physician before using the Sauna or Steam Room.
For the health, safety, and comfort of all members, please follow all posted sauna rules.
To help keep the sauna and steam rooms clean and operating properly, do not place paper towels or other materials on the temperature sensors.
Members must wear appropriate swimwear or use a towel to cover themselves at all times—nudity is not permitted.
Please also refrain from bringing cell phones or other electronic devices into the steam or sauna room to protect the privacy and comfort of others.
Before entering the Sauna or Steam Room, members must dry off completely to maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Please use the space responsibly so it remains clean, functional, and enjoyable for all members.
Food, drinks, glass containers, scented oils, lotions, fragrances, electronic devices, cameras, personal grooming, shaving, exercising, and stretching are not permitted inside the Steam Room or Sauna.
Liquids may never be poured on the heating units in the Sauna, as this increases the risk of electrical shock, damage to the unit, and/or fire.
Sauna and Steam Room Use is restricted to adults (18+) only.

Why do we encourage breaks?

The high temperature of the Sauna and Steam Room can contribute to overheating and dehydration. Taking regular breaks allows members to cool down and helps reduce the risk of heat-related incidents, which can pose serious health risks.

Our staff are tasked with keeping everyone in the facility safe, including the Spa. If you have been using the Steam Room or Sauna for longer than 15 minutes, you may be approached by a lifeguard or staff who will remind you of the safety guideline. The staff may say something like, “Just a quick reminder that we encourage members to take a 15-minute break from the heated spaces every 15 minutes. The heat can cause dehydration and overheating, so we want to make sure you’re staying safe.” Even if you are feeling fine, it’s very important you take regular breaks from the high heat. It’s often difficult to notice when overheating begins, and often sneak up on people, including fluctuations to blood pressure and heart rate.

How often can I use the Spa, Steam Room, & Sauna?

Members may enjoy multiple rounds in the Spa, Steam Room, and Sauna over their visit, but they must take 15 minute breaks to cool down and hydrate between. You may use any combination of the three thermotherapy spaces when you visit The Y, but you may not go directly from one to the other without the mandated 15-minute break.

We love offering these amenities to our members, but we must maintain a safe environment for everyone. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe!