It’s hot. Really hot.
While sunny days can mean more opportunities to get outside, the temperatures we’re currently experiencing can also pose a risk to children and young people. Babies and children aged 5 and under are particularly vulnerable to hot weather, but older children and teenagers can also become dehydrated or develop heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
With the RUSH 2The DEN building currently closed for refurbishment, many of our activities have moved outdoors. Our Tots sessions are taking place three times a week in Spencer Park and Hall Park, while our Youth Clubs are also enjoying outdoor activities.
So, how can you help your child enjoy our outdoor sessions while staying safe in this awful heat?
Keeping Babies and Under-5s Safe
Children aged 5 and under are one of the groups most at risk during a heatwave. Younger children may also be less able to recognise or tell you that they’re becoming too hot or thirsty.
If you’re joining us for one of our Tots sessions in the park, there are a few simple things you can do.
Bring Plenty to Drink
Make sure you bring drinks for both you and your little one. Children should be encouraged to drink regularly during hot weather rather than waiting until they say they are thirsty. If you’re breastfeeding, you can continue to breastfeed as usual.
Keep offering drinks throughout the session, particularly if your child is running around and playing.
Dress Them for the Weather
Loose, lightweight and light-coloured clothing can help children stay cooler. A wide-brimmed sunhat can also help protect their face, neck and ears from the sun.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
For children who can use sunscreen, choose one with at least SPF 30 and a UVA rating of at least 4 stars. Apply it generously before coming out and reapply at least every two hours, as well as after activities that may remove it.
Remember that sunscreen doesn’t make it safe to stay in direct sunlight indefinitely. Shade, clothing and limiting time in strong sun are important too.
Make the Most of the Shade
Try to keep little ones in the shade as much as possible, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. NHS advice recommends staying out of the sun where possible between 11am and 3pm.
And remember: it’s absolutely fine if your child doesn’t want to run around as much as usual. Very hot days aren’t the time to encourage vigorous physical activity.
Keep an Eye on Nappies
If your child is still in nappies, fewer wet nappies or unusually dark urine can be a sign that they need more fluids.
Keeping Older Children and Teenagers Safe
Our Youth Clubs welcome young people up to the age of 17. They might be bigger, more independent and considerably harder to convince to wear a sunhat, but the heat can still affect them.
Anyone can develop dehydration, heat exhaustion or heatstroke when temperatures get high enough. Spending time outdoors and being physically active can increase the risk.
Water, Water and More Water
Please encourage your young person to bring a refillable water bottle to outdoor Youth Club activities and actually drink from it!
They should drink regularly throughout the session, particularly if they’re taking part in games or other physical activities.
Encourage Sensible Clothing
Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes will be much more comfortable than heavy or tight clothing in very hot weather.
A hat and sunscreen are also important, even if they’re at the age where they think they’re far too cool for either.
Take Breaks From Physical Activity
Young people don’t need to spend the whole session sitting still, but very hot weather isn’t the time for intense exercise.
UKHSA guidance recommends that children avoid vigorous physical activity on very hot days. Activities can be adapted, with regular breaks and plenty of opportunities to sit somewhere shaded and cool down.
Don’t Cool Off in Open Water
A river, lake or other stretch of open water can look very tempting when it’s boiling outside, particularly to teenagers.
However, open water can carry serious risks. UKHSA has specifically warned young people and families about the dangers of entering open water to cool down during hot weather.
Please encourage young people to stick to safer ways of cooling down.
Know the Signs that a Child is Getting Too Hot
Whether your child is 2 or 17, it’s important to recognise when the heat is becoming more than simply uncomfortable.
Signs of heat exhaustion can include:
- tiredness
- dizziness
- headache
- feeling or being sick
- excessive sweating
- pale, clammy skin.
If a child shows signs of heat exhaustion, move them somewhere cool, encourage them to drink cool water and start cooling their skin. If you’re concerned or their symptoms are getting worse, contact NHS 111.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Warning signs can include confusion, poor co-ordination, seizures, loss of consciousness, a very high body temperature, hot red skin, a fast heartbeat or fast, shallow breathing. If you suspect heatstroke, call 999 and start cooling the child while you wait for help.
Sometimes, Staying Home is the Right Choice
We love seeing families at our sessions, but nobody should feel they have to attend when the weather is extreme.
If your child is already unwell, seems particularly tired, isn’t drinking properly or simply isn’t coping well with the heat, staying somewhere cooler may be the better option.
Children with some health conditions may also be more vulnerable during hot weather. If your child has a medical condition and you’re unsure how the heat could affect them, follow the advice you’ve been given by their healthcare team.
Enjoy the Sunshine – Safely
Having the building closed while refurbishment work takes place has meant we’ve had to get creative, and we’ve loved being able to continue bringing RUSH 2The DEN activities out into our local parks and community.
But during exceptionally hot weather, safety will always come first.
Please come prepared with water, sunscreen, suitable clothing and a hat, and keep an eye on how your child is coping with the temperature.
And if plans need to change because conditions simply aren’t safe for outdoor activities, please keep an eye on RUSH 2The DEN’s usual channels for updates.
We want everyone to have fun this summer without anyone getting poorly from the heat.
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