How to combat the blazing summer heat in Texas

If you have ever been to East Texas (particularly the Austin area) in the summertime, you are quite aware of how hot it can get. With temperatures hovering around 104 degrees in the shade, it can be a challenge to enjoy the outdoors. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to combat the heat and sun.

With so many things to do in the summer that involves being outside, you need to be careful. Sun exposure poses many heat-related health issues that can be potentially dangerous. Knowing how to protect yourself from the heat and sun is a big key to enjoying your summers in Texas.

When looking for outdoor activities for you and your family or friends to enjoy during the summer months. One of the most popular outdoor activities for the people in Austin, Texas is tubing on one of the many rivers. All of the local rivers offer some type of tubing tour. Tubing tours feature a leisurely ride down the river floating on a giant tube for several hours.

Now, you might be thinking to yourself, why in the world would you want to be floating down the river in the middle of the summer when it is 104. That is an interesting question, but thousands of Texans still flock to the rivers every day to enjoy a couple of hours of the great outdoors. So, what is their secret, or are they simply crazy and ignoring the potential dangers.

5 tips to protect yourself in the summer heat in Texas

If you want to stay cool while enjoying the summertime in Austin, Texas, here are some very simple and easy-to-follow tips for the Texas Department of Public Safety. With temperatures easily topping 104 degrees F, in the shade, each of these tips will help to keep you safe as possible.

Tip  #1 – Stay hydrated

First and foremost, you must help your body stay cool internally. One of the best ways to do this is to drink plenty of cool water. Certain sports drinks can be helpful as well due to their electrolyte properties. Continue to drink water even if you think you have had plenty. Dehydration can sneak up on you and take control which can lead to serious complications and even death.

Tip #2 – Do not over-exert yourself

This cannot be any less understated, you need to keep relaxed as much as possible. Any excessive amount of exertion can easily lead to overheating and in humans that can easily result in heat exhaustion. If you are not careful, the next step is a heat stroke and that can easily be fatal. To help limit the possibility of any heat-related issues, avoid too much exertion during the peak heat of the day.

Tip #3 – Know the signs your body is telling you

If you have to do anything during the peak heat period of the day, take plenty of breaks. Always take your breaks in a cool, shaded area at all possible. Allow your body the ability to naturally cool down before you resume any physical activities. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, immediately get out of the sun and heat. Go to a place where it is cool and shaded.

Tip #4 – Where the right type of clothing

Too many people make the mistake when it comes to what they are wearing out in the sun. This is especially true when they are out on the river-tubing. To minimize the danger of the sun and heat you want to cover your extremities with clothing that is both light in material and light in color. This will help to keep you cool and keep the sun from burning and damaging your skin.

Tip #5 – Always bring and wear sunscreen

Before going out on the river on a tube, be sure that any part of your body that is not covered by some type of covering is covered with a nice layer of sunscreen. Most sunscreens contain a designated SPF rating and the higher the number, the longer you can stay out in the sun. However, you must reapply if you are sprayed with water.