Keeping Athletes Safe from Heat Illness Share Athletic activities typically start up late summer, and the season’s warm temperatures put athletes at risk for heat-related illnesses. The warning signs and symptoms of various heat-induced illnesses vary and are detailed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) here. The good news is that heat illness is preventable when the right precautions are in place. If you plan to exercise while it’s hot outside, the CDC offers the following recommendations: Limit outdoor activity, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is hottest. Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package. Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler. Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually. Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness. Monitor a teammate’s condition, and have someone do the same for you. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. For more tips and helpful information on how to spot a heat-related illness, visit the CDC's website here. Tags Health & Wellness Nonprofit & Human Service Religious Organization Education © 2023 GuideOne Insurance. GuideOne® is the registered trademark of the GuideOne Insurance Company. All rights reserved. This material is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to give specific legal or risk management advice, nor are any suggested checklists or action plans intended to include or address all possible risk management exposures or solutions. You are encouraged to retain your own expert consultants and legal advisors in order to develop a risk management plan specific to your own activities.