When you are out enjoying the lake it is important to watch for signs of heat-related illnesses.
Arkansas heat can get dangerous very fast if you are not careful to hydrate and protect yourself from the sun. Heat exhaustion is not considered as urgent of an emergency as heat stroke, but it needs to be caught and monitored right away. Heat exhaustion can quickly turn into a heat stroke if left untreated.
Make sure you leave the dock with the means to cool someone down should they start to show signs of heat exhaustion. Shade is essential. Small fishing boat? Bring an umbrella.
How to spot heat exhaustion.
Someone who is suffering from heat exhaustion will have visible symptoms. The symptoms that are noticeable are usually the following:
- Confusion,
- Dizziness,
- Fainting,
- Pale skin,
- Profuse sweating, and
- A rapid heartbeat.
There are more symptoms and heat exhaustion affects people differently depending on their age, health, and the activity they are participating in. Some of the early symptoms are only obvious to the person experiencing heat exhaustion. Here are a few signs of heat exhaustion that are harder to spot:
- Excessive thirst,
- Weakness,
- A headache, and
- Muscle cramps.
What should you do when someone is experiencing heat exhaustion?
Cool down! The first thing you need to do is get the person out of the sun. If you are on your boat, take them below or under some shade. Make sure they drink water but avoid any liquids that have caffeine or alcohol. Cool them down with anything you can. Icy towels, a cold shower, fans, and more.
Dehydration
Staying hydrated will be the difference between a fun day on the lake and a miserable hangover-like feeling — sans alcohol. The key to staying hydrated is to make sure fresh, clean water is always convenient. Find ways to remind yourself to drink water.
The best way to determine if you are dehydrated is to pay attention to the color of your urine. If it is a dark yellow color, start drinking water! And maybe some fruit and/or vegetable juice. If not treated, dehydration can become life-threatening.