This summer has seen record-breaking high temperatures across the country. Exercising and playing sports outdoors in such extreme heat poses risks for athletes of all ages and skill levels, from Olympians to student-athletes. The American Red Cross provides guidance for coaches and parents to help keep players safe in these conditions.

• Learn CPR, how to use an AED, and how to treat heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

• Avoid scheduling outdoor practices and workouts during the hottest part of the day. Instead, plan them for early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Lower the intensity of these practices until your athletes grow more accustomed to the heat.
• Make sure your players drink plenty of water to avoid muscle cramping or heat-related illness. Fluids should be consumed frequently during strenuous activity and within a half hour of training.
• Include warm-ups — even young athletes need to stretch their muscles before strenuous exercise to help prevent injury.
• Plan frequent and longer breaks. Ideally, pause practice about every 20 minutes for athletes to drink fluids and rest in the shade if possible.
• Reduce the amount of heavy equipment athletes wear in extremely hot weather. Instead, encourage net-type jerseys or lightweight, light-colored cotton T-shirts and shorts.
• Use the buddy system to encourage athletes to drink water and watch for signs of illness in their teammates.
• Have an emergency plan in place. Emergency situations may arise at any time during athletic practices and events. Knowing what to do and how to respond quickly are critical in providing the best possible care to the athletes in emergencies.

The first responder to an emergency situation is, typically, a member of the training, coaching, strength, medical staff, or a parent.