Cole Harbour Place closes saunas following health emergencies, inappropriate behaviour

A Dartmouth-area recreation facility has permanently closed its saunas in light of ongoing safety and behavioural issues.

Cole Harbour Place announced this week it was closing its two dry saunas, which are located inside the men's and women's change rooms.

General manager Jen Heddon said the most serious problem that led to the decision was the number of medical emergencies resulting from people overheating and passing out in the saunas. She said some visitors might not have realized heat can cause dangerous medication interactions, or they didn't drink enough water while exercising.

Some people have also poured water or other liquids on the heating elements in the saunas, creating a fire risk, Heddon said.

"It's a lot of response from our lifeguards or other staff and taking away from other duties. And the saunas are located in the change room, so there's not always overview," she said.

"We were just worried that something could happen and it may not be noticed for a little bit of time, which is dangerous for everybody."

Inappropriate behaviour reported

In a statement, the facility said it also received multiple reports of "sexually inappropriate behaviour" in the saunas that was part of a "concerning and ongoing pattern."

When asked about that issue, Heddon said none of the behaviour was criminal in nature or any type of assault.

"We've had some reports of some inappropriate behaviour that has occurred, or people being undressed and different things like that. So, yeah, unfortunately that is also part of it," she said.

Heddon said she understands some people will not be happy with the closure of the saunas, but she said it had to be done "given all of the safety concerns."

The facility is offering payment adjustments or refunds to people who considered the saunas a significant factor in their membership.