Float tanks not what they appear

Dear editor: We had the pleasure of attending Art of Murder at the Cannery Stage. It was our first Many Hats Theatre Co. production and it won’t be our last.

We’ve been working to open our float studio in Penticton, so when we heard there was a float tank on set we were very interested.

Float tank knowledge is not wide spread, which makes it an interesting premise for writers to take liberties with, and let their imaginations run wild. I totally get it, but as someone who is trying to combat false float information, and promote the benefits, I have a vested interest in setting the facts straight.

A float tank is a large pool that contains less than a foot of water and 800-plus pounds of quality epsom salts. The dense solution allows the user to float effortlessly on the surface.

The solution is heated to skin temperature (neither hot nor cold), and surrounded by walls to block noise, light and to maintain temperature. There are multiple styles and sizes of float vessels to meet anyone's level of comfort. Float tanks reduce stress, ease pain, inflammation and alleviate symptoms of many ailments.

Float tanks have been featured in the Simpson’s, Stranger Things and Modern Family. While I appreciate that float tanks are hitting the mainstream, I’m less excited for your first introduction to float tanks being one of fiction. A few myths I’d like to debunk. Floating won’t turn you into a monkey. Float tanks are not coffins or tiny chambers, they do not have locks and you won’t connect with the upside down. You are always in complete control of your experience. It’s virtually impossible to drown in a float tank. You won’t hallucinate and lose your grip on reality. Float tanks are not just for hippies; people from all walks of life, and of all ages are experiencing the benefits of float therapy. A few facts I’d like to share. Floating mitigates the pressures of gravity on your joints and muscles. It’s great for regulating sleep cycles, lowering blood pressure, improving athletic performance, stabilizing hormones, and so much more.

The show runs until May 5, and I encourage you to go. I only ask that you take their use of the float tank with a grain of salt. There are many resources where you can find quality float tank information, if you can’t find what you’re looking for check us out at www.oGoFloat.ca. Julie Turner Penticton

The adjudicator must go and also the lady tester (supervisor) from Kelowna. If I drove the way she rated me I would have had numerous tickets rather than a clean record. I contested my assessment but was ignored.

I am aware of several seniors in this predicament and no doubt there are many more throughout B.C. causing ICBC to lose millions in revenue. All drivers will be paying huge premiums. This must be stopped.

This situation has caused my wife and myself severe emotional distress. I will be contacting our MLA and the Ombudsperson about this matter. William Hull

Penticton