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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Surviving the Sun: Heat Stroke, Sunburn
Art at Phoenix Antiques, a historic lease property within the park

Prevention

Don't ...
Don't drink alcoholic beverages.
Don't overeat.
Don't take salt tablets unless specified by a doctor.
Don't get sunburned! Sunburn makes it harder for your body to cool off.


Do ...

Do reschedule strenuous activities to a cooler time of day.
Do dress light. Pale colors reflect light. Natural fibers like cotton and linen help you feel cooler.
Do drink plenty of (non-alcoholic) fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Do pack a few drinks with electrolytes —natural chemicals that your body needs to deal with the heat.

 
Lifeguard at a river beach in the recreation area

Beyond Sunburn ...

Learn to recognize these serious conditions of heat exposure,
and what to do about them:

Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin, fainting and sometimes vomiting. Body temperature may be normal. First Aid: Rest in cool or shady place. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte drink. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat Stroke: Hot, dry skin; rapid and strong pulse; high body temperature; possible unconsciousness. First Aid: Move patient to a cool place and reduce body temperature with cool bathing or sponging. Do NOT give fluids.
Heat stroke is a serious, sometimes fatal, emergency; get medical help right away!

 

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Sketch of a hand underwater and reaching for a life jacket

Did You Know?
... chief causes of water fatalities on the Delaware River are: (1) swimming without a lifejacket (PFD); (2) trying to swim across the river; and (3) swimming after drinking lots of alcohol. Wear a pfd and swim at lifeguarded beaches. DON'T drink-then-swim! NEVER TRY TO SWIM ACROSS THE RIVER!
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Last Updated: September 15, 2011 at 11:06 MST