ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – With warmth advisories nonetheless in impact throughout Northeast Florida, emergency crews in St. Johns County are holding busy—not simply with water rescues, however heat-related emergencies on the sand.
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Lieutenant Daniel Energy with St. Johns County Marine Rescue stated over the previous couple of days, crews have responded to a rising variety of calls associated to warmth publicity.
“Step one is getting folks out of the solar—into the shade or right into a rescue truck with air-con,” Energy defined. “In the event that they’re nauseous or confused, we don’t give water instantly. That may truly make issues worse.”
As an alternative, they cool the physique steadily by pouring water over the again of the neck or arms and utilizing followers or the ocean breeze to assist cut back physique temperature.
“That’s the most important factor folks have to take note of—serving to the physique calm down slowly,” stated Energy.
Many of those calls occur earlier within the day, earlier than the ocean breeze rolls in. And when the wind is calm and the solar is excessive, seaside sand temperatures can spike dramatically.
“You’re averaging about 110 to 120 levels on prime of the sand,” Chris Naff with St. Johns County Fireplace Rescue stated. “And that’s not even counting direct daylight.”
Whereas driving together with the marine rescue staff, News4JAX witnessed simply how scorching the higher seaside sand can get in comparison with the cooler, packed sand nearer to the shoreline. That’s why security begins with correct preparation: carry shade, put on protecting footwear, and pack loads of fluids.
“Ensure you hydrate, eat a stable meal earlier than you come, and don’t skip lunch in case you’re staying all day,” stated Energy.
It’s not simply guests who want to remain cool—lifeguards observe a strict protocol of rotating stations, taking frequent breaks, and staying stocked with chilly water.
“My job is to care for them to allow them to care for everybody else,” Energy stated. “They’re the spine of seaside security.”
So, what’s the primary factor to not do on the seaside on this warmth? In accordance with Energy—alcohol.
“A drink or two with lunch isn’t the difficulty,” he stated. “It’s when folks come down right here to get together and cease listening to their our bodies. That’s when the warmth and alcohol combine turns into harmful.”
The underside line: benefit from the seaside, however come ready. Carry shade, drink water, keep away from alcohol, and swim close to a lifeguard stand—simply in case one thing goes mistaken.
“It’s a wonderful place to be,” Energy stated. “Simply be good about it.”
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