Derek Boese, JD, PMP General Manager
Recent blogs have covered summer safety in Texas waterways, including the San Antonio River. The blogs spoke broadly to kayak safety, knowing river conditions, and the potential of harmful bacteria and amoebas that can be found in Texas lakes and rivers in the hot summer months. Today, I want to focus on the much more prevalent issues of extreme heat, sunburn and dehydration.
Here in San Antonio, we have already had multiple days with a heat index of over 100 degrees. Roughly two-thirds of San Antonio River Authority staff work outdoors in our Watershed Park and Operations and Utilities departments. Throughout the South Texas summer months, we constantly talk about outdoor safety and the importance of being careful. Once you get a heat injury, you are more susceptible to a heat injury the rest of your life! So, it’s better to take precautions and not put yourself at risk.
If you are going to be outside in hot conditions, and particularly if you are going to be doing physical or strenuous activities outside, you need to HYDRATE. Hydration starts before you go outside—if you start dehydrated, you are already behind. And if you’re working outside and feeling thirsty, you are already dehydrated. The CDC recommends 1 cup/8 ounces of water every 15-20 minutes when working in the heat. However, DON’T drink more than 1.5 quarts/48 ounces per hour, and make sure you’re eating too.
Not only do you need to properly hydrate when it’s summer in South Texas, but you need to protect your skin too. Dermatologists recommend sunscreens that are at least an SPF 30 and water-resistant. Covering up is important too. These include wearing sunglasses, a hat, and long sleeves—there are plenty of options out there that protect you but also breathe. Take it from a skin cancer survivor at the age of 43—it’s not worth the risk, and the dermatologist visits the rest of your life.
There are so many great opportunities on the San Antonio River and elsewhere in the region to enjoy the outdoors this summer—just be smart about it when you do!
Derek
