Heat creates safety concerns at summer camp
The annual cross county and track camps kicked off in 100 degree weather on Sunday, raising safety concerns for participants.
The camps, held every summer, bring in primarily high school students from across Kansas and surrounding states. Adam Wetzel, Silver Lake sophomore, said that normally his mind would be on running, but this week he can’t ignore the surrounding elements.
“It’s been hot all week,” Wetzel said, sighing.
When campers arrived at the University of Kansas on Sunday it was 100°. The following days registered highs of 101°, 99°, 107° and 102° respectively. According to The Weather Channel, Wednesday’s 107° high was a record for Lawrence.
Organizers are not only concerned with cross country and track this year, but more than ever on increasing safety for the athletes, as the current temperatures could be deadly.
“We have trainers at every site prepared for anything that may come up,” Billy Steffens, Kansas Relays manager, said.
The extreme heat prompted organizers to educate the campers how to stay safe while working out in the heat.
“On Sunday, when everyone got here and before the camp even started Gatorade got up and talked about how to stay hydrated,” Steffens said.
Gatorade representatives felt it was necessary to educate the participants about the dangers of heat.
Kassidy Porter, Bolivar, Mo., high school senior said she learned what it takes to stay safe out on the track.
“I’ve been drinking lots of water, lots of Gatorade, and pouring water on myself,” Porter said.
Wetzel said that he tries to get out of the heat whenever he can.
“I drink a lot of Gatorade, stay hydrated and stay in the shade,” Wetzel said.
Patricia Denning, chief of staff at Watkins Memorial Health Center said that extreme heat can cause numerous problems for the human body. Dr. Denning said that major organs such as the kidneys, liver, and even the brain could shut down.
“People, with time, can go into various system body failures,” Dr. Denning said. “If you can not reverse the process it can be fatal.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1979 to 2002 there were 8,966 heat related deaths in the United States. During that time more people died from heat related issues than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined.
Source: Patricia DenningDr. Denning said that the best ways to stay safe are to stay inside, keep well hydrated and shorten workouts. According to Dr. Denning, keeping these things in mind could save your life.
Despite the hot temperatures camp organizers plan on many outside activities to keep kids active. To keep the athletes safe from the heat Gatorade is taking a leading role.
“At every site for this camp, and every other camp at KU this summer, Gatorade has a booth where they have water and Gatorade,” Steffens said.
With the Gatorade booths and medical staff at all camp sites, no heat related situations have occurred at this year’s camps. Porter said that she feels comfortable with the heat because of the watchful eye by medical personnel.
“If anyone even hints that they are thirsty or feel dizzy they help them out,” Porter said.
According to Steffens, while at the cross country and track camps, participants learn the fundamentals of running, breaking from the blocks, and how to jump hurdles. Throughout the years interest in the camp has fluctuated and peaked this year at 70 athletes. Overnight campers pay $395 and day campers pay $295.