PLEASE SIGN THIS WAIVER AND KEEP A COPY WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES
The Nokomis Bifrost and Bde Maka Ska ice holes are free and open to the public (here: “participants”), however YOU MUST SIGN THIS WAIVER. Once you sign the waiver, you will recieve an automated email from Jotform. Please keep a copy of this email (check your spam folder). Please read the waiver and follow the rules and guidlines below. Failure to do so may result in fines by the Minneapolis Park Police and/or prohibition from using this ice hole. Digital waivers are available via QR code and digital link. A paper copy may be requested by emailing nokomisbifrost@gmail.com or nick@foxfirebreathworks.com.
This waiver is valid for the Nokomis Bifrost and Bde Maka Ska ice hole for one winter season (estimated Dec 2025 - March 2026). After filling out this form, the volunteers will recieve a digital copy of the signed waiver and you will be emailed a reciept from Jotform. Please maintain a copy of this reciept email (check your spam folder).
HEALTH WARNING
PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR PRIOR TO COLD-WATER IMMERSION TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT IT IS SAFE FOR YOU. Many situations may be contraindicated for cold-water immersion, including but not limited to:
- Cardiovascular conditions (high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, pulmonary edema)
- Neurological conditions (epilepsy, polyneuropathy, Reynaud’s)
- Cold-related conditions (cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, non-frostbite cold injury (NFCI)
- Anorexia
- Adverse drug reactions (for example: sedatives; consult your doctor if you take medication)
- Age (cold-water immersion is not recommended for elderly individuals; minors must be accompanied by an adult guardian, have a signed waiver, and use extreme caution.)
SAFETY WARNING
All participants agree to adhere to the following safety measures:
- DO NOT DO COLD-WATER IMMERSION ALONE; always bring someone with you
- Never enter the ice hole by jumping in and fully submerging your head under water
- Educate yourself on how to do cold-water immersion safely and responsibly
- Protect your extremities (recommended: wool socks/neoprene boots/booties; hat; gloves/mittens)
- Use caution when walking on ice to prevent falls (recommended: spikes or cramp-ons)
- Protect your key fob and cell phone from freezing so that you can re-enter your vehicle/call for help
- Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date (recommended) and avoid getting cut on sharp ice
- Watch weather conditions (especially windchill) and adjust your water time accordingly
- Be aware of water conditions and avoid contaminated water (for example: blue-green algae bacteria)
- ALWAYS do cold-water immersion sober; drug and alcohol use are strictly prohibited on park property
ASSUMPTION OF RISK
I understand that cold-water immersion carries serious risks, including but not limited to: hypothermia, frostbite, non-frostbite cold injury (NFCI), falls, illness, and death. BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY PARTICIPATION IS VOLUNTARY AND I FREELY ASSUME ALL RISKS, both known and unknown. I understand that the Bifrost volunteers, Foxfire Breathworks and their contractors are not liable for any of their actions and/or omissions, or any injuries and/or other occurrences due to ice hole activities or related risks.
ICE HOLE RULES
All participants agree to help maintain safe conditions for all:
- Make sure the gate is securely closed and the ladder is under water when you leave
- Don’t leave broken ice in the fenced-in area surrounding the ice hole (put it outside the fence)
- Only use the fenced-in area surrounding the ice hole for entering and exiting the water, NOT for changing clothes or temporarily storing personal items (this degrades the ice)
- Treat all participants with respect; harassment or discrimination in any form will not be tolerated
MINOR POLICY
The Bifrost welcomes minors who are accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian and have a signed waiver. Adults bringing minors to the ice hole are encouraged to use extreme caution, bearing in mind the minor’s height in relation to the water depth (54 inches), the minor’s skill and comfort level in the water, and the ways in which a minor’s experience of cold-water exposure may differ from the tolerance of an adult. Please consult a doctor prior to cold-water immersion to determine whether or not this activity is safe for the minor in your care.
EVENT POLICY
The Bifrost does NOT allow commercial events. Organizers of non-commercial events involving more than 15 people must email a request to the lead volunteers (nokomisbifrost@gmail.com) 14 days in advance of the event for review and approval. Additional permits may be required by the MPRB.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, I HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE, AND DISCHARGE FOXFIRE BREATHWORKS (Nick Fox), its contractors, and volunteers from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of activities at the Nokomis Bifrost ice hole including but not limited to personal injury, illness, property damage, and death.
BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, I HEREBY INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISE NOT TO SUE FOXFIRE BREATHWORKS (Nicholas Fox), its employees, and volunteers, and release them from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of Nokomis Bifrost ice hole activities, regardless of cause. This Safety Waiver and Release Liability Form shall be constructed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law.