Smart Safety - Safeguarding Students With Proven Strategies Against Heat-Related Illnesses

 As the school year begins in mid-August, many students take part in outdoor activities such as football practice, marching band, cheerleading, cross-country track, volleyball, tennis, and even golf. Unfortunately, this time of year also coincides with the hottest period in many regions, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and, in severe cases, fatalities. According to the NFHS website, historically, most heat-related fatalities and catastrophic events occur during pre-season practices. While this is not unexpected, it is something that needs reinforcement in the minds of students and adult leaders.

Educators and coaches bear a serious responsibility not only to teach skills—like blocking, tackling, and marching 6 steps every 5 yards—but also to safeguard their students in these challenging conditions. Worse, the risk is heightened for those not accustomed to heat exposure. “No one, not students, coaches, teachers, or equipment managers can spend the summer in air conditioning playing EA Sports NCAA Football 2026 and then go out in the heat without feeling its effects,” notes Nick Heraldson, spokesman for SwampButt Underwear. “This highlights a significant difference between playing sports in a video game versus reality. One makes you hot, sweaty and hopefully aware of the need to stay hydrated. The other does not.” The good news? All heat-related illnesses are preventable.

Understanding the Risks of Heat Illness

Research indicates that heat-related illnesses can develop when temperatures exceed 80°F, especially in high humidity conditions. For instance, imagine the dangers when temperatures soar to 95 degrees with high humidity. “Low temperatures in Southeast Texas are often around 78-80 degrees,” points out Heraldson. Extended exposure to high heat can lead to exertional heat illnesses (EHIs) among student-athletes, resulting in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and the life-threatening heat stroke.

An estimated 9,000 high school athletes in the United States receive treatment for EHIs annually. Football players face a significantly higher risk—11.4 times greater than the average for other sports—amounting to 4.42 per 100,000 athlete exposures. Consequently, most EHIs occur in August, as athletes may not be acclimatized to the heat.

Timing Matters

Almost one-third of reported EHIs during football practices happen more than 2 hours into the session. Data from the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury. Research shows that since 1982, 67 high school athletes have succumbed to exertional heat illness, with the majority (52%) occurring in August. Notably, 94% of those fatalities involve football linemen.

• At least 50 high school football players have died from heat stroke in the past 25 years.
• Excluding football, boys and girls show similar EHI rates in comparable sports.
• A significant portion (37.1%) of student-athletes experiencing EHIs are classified as obese, establishing BMI as a risk factor, particularly in football.
• Heat cramps (39%), heat exhaustion (27%), and dehydration (29%) are the most frequently reported EHIs in college athletes.

“All these percentages tell a compelling story,” states Heraldson. “The extreme heat at the start of the school year isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous.”

Students in marching bands also face similar risks. Unlike athletes, there are no national standards to keep marching band members safe. Andrew Grundstein from the University of Georgia, one of the few scholars studying heat's effects on marching band members, notes a lack of comprehensive studies on their health risks.

Essential Protection Strategies

To ensure student safety during outdoor activities in hot weather, consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Hydration is Key : Encourage regular hydration before, during, and after practices. Make water accessible and consider providing electrolyte-replenishing sports drinks. Educate students on recognizing their thirst cues.
2. Adjust Practice Schedules : Schedule practices during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
3. Acclimatization : Gradually increase the intensity and duration of practices over the first week or two of school to allow students to adjust to the heat safely.
4. Frequent Rest Breaks : Implement regular breaks to cool down, preferably in shaded areas. Encourage light stretching to prevent muscle cramping.
5. Educational Efforts : Provide education on recognizing signs of heat illness, such as dizziness, heavy sweating, confusion, and nausea. Establish a clear protocol for emergencies if these symptoms arise.
6. Appropriate Clothing : Advise students to wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to stay cool. Moisture-wicking materials are ideal for outdoor activities.
7. Utilize Cooling Techniques : Alongside regular hydration, utilizing cooling towels, misting fans, or ice packs can help lower body temperature during breaks.
8. Weather Monitoring : Keep a vigilant eye on the heat index and be prepared to modify or cancel activities when conditions are extreme.

By implementing these strategies, schools can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related incidents within their student populations.

Join the Conversation: Success Stories and Community Involvement

Many schools are already experiencing positive results after implementing heat safety protocols, with both parents and athletes feeling much more secure during practices. We encourage schools, coaches, and communities to prioritize heat safety and adopt these measures.

What specific actions has your school taken to alleviate heat stress? We invite you to share your success stories with us. By collaborating and sharing best practices, we can work together to protect our students during this critical time and ensure they experience a safe and successful school year.

Final Thoughts: Smart Strategies for Managing the Heat

Experts recommend shifting outdoor workouts to early morning or evening when temperatures and humidity levels are more bearable. Encourage students and staff to stay hydrated by consistently drinking water, using electrolyte packets, and avoiding sugary or caffeinated beverages. Wearing light-colored, loose, and breathable clothing, along with applying broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen before heading outdoors, is also crucial.

When possible, consider opting for indoor exercises or air-conditioned spaces, or take cooling breaks at public libraries or community centers.