Heat and Sun Safety
Protective Clothing
Mr. Bennett and students model proper dress for those long, hot practices in the summer Arizona sun. Good choices include:
- a wide-brim hat
- sunglasses
- a normal, unaltered t-shirt or a more stylish light, collared shirt
- shorts
- tennis shoes that lace or tie (no flip flops, sandals, or unlaced shoes, because proper marching technique can only be learned with the proper foot wear)
Students must follow school dress code while in rehearsals.
Sunscreen
Use broad-spectrum sunscreens whose active ingredients block UVA and UVB rays. The Sun Protective Factor (SPF) should be a minimum of 30.
Sunscreens should be used every day, including cloudy days. They should be applied liberally and evenly before going out into the sun and should be applied every 2 hours, especially after heavy sweating. Don't forget to do your lips, ears, scalp, hands, nose, feet and the backs of your neck and legs.
Hydration
Bring plenty of water, and drink before, during and after your outdoor activity: 1-2 cups 2 to 3 hours before your activity, every 15-20 minutes during your activity, and after your activity. The following are warning signs of significant dehydration; they may also indicate more serious conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which require immediate medical attention.
- Noticeable thirst
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Decreased performance
- Difficulty paying attention
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Lightheaded feeling or dizziness
Speak up if you feel ill. Don't become a victim of the heat.