Extreme heat is still dangerous even if you’re cooling off at the pool
The pool can provide some relief from the temperatures. However, experts say it can also present some dangers.
Local swimmer Breanna Delair knows life poolside isn't as bright as it may seem. The risk of heat illness is still a serious concern.
"I love the sun. I love the water. I love just laying out and feeling the warm rays. But at some point, I definitely need to know my limits," said Delair. "I definitely know that even though you might feel cool in the water, you definitely may be taking consistent water breaks."
The extreme heat already impacting some local events like friday night's Boy's Night Out Pool Party happy hour at Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs. DJ Galaxy was one of the organizers who decided to postpone the event.
We have to think about people's safety, and we don't want people getting sick, having heatstroke, and having to go to the hospital and stuff like that," said DJ Galaxy.
As the aquatic manager at Palm Desert Aquatic Center, David Keyes oversees the safety of guests and team members.
"If you're feeling like you're not sweating, you're starting to maybe get a little bit of a haze in your eyes, and you're blinking, you're not quite seeing straight, you're feeling a little dizzy, those are kind of signs that you're going into having some heat exhaustion," said Keyes.
He said some tips to keep in mind include drinking lots of water before and during your pool visit, limiting lap swimming to the early hours when its cooler if you can, and taking regular breaks in the shade.
A Palm Springs visitor died during a heat wave after spending the day by the pool and was likely unaware of the toll the relentless desert heat was taking on his body.
According to the state's Department of Parks and Recreation, summer heat can lead to dehydration and exhaustion even when swimming. Take frequent breaks, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol.
During swimming, you may not notice how much you’re sweating. Drinking water before and during your visit to the pool is important.
