Louisiana, These Heat Related Illnesses Can Happen While Swimming

When there's not a cloud in the Louisiana sky and the thermometer is almost fully "red" in the afternoon there is nothing better than a dip in the pool. Unless that pool has been sitting outside baking in the hot summer sun then your refreshing dip can feel more like a quick splash in a soup that smells of chlorine.

Anyone who has ever owned or maintained a backyard pool, whether it's inground, above ground, or inflatable knows that the water gets warm when the summer gets hot. It sucks all the refreshment right out of getting wet but it can also add to the dangers of extreme heat conditions, such as the conditions most of Louisiana and the Gulf South have been experiencing over the past few weeks.

Heat Exhaustion/Heatstroke can Happen While Swimming.

I know, it seems very counterintuitive but it can happen especially when the water in the pool has gotten very warm as I have described above. You might not believe it but the water temperature in your pool could be hotter than 80 degrees. So splashing in 80-degree water with a heat index of 115 is going to take its toll on a person. A person who experiences heat exhaustion and or heatstroke in a pool will have similar symptoms as someone who experiences those maladies on land.

Dehydration is a Real Thing Even While Swimming

This would be the ultimate case of standing knee-deep in a river and dying of thirst. There is a major difference between you being in the water and water being in you. Your body needs that water to refresh itself and continue to function. So, even if you're splashing in the pool you need to take breaks to drink lots of water or other refreshing drinks. No, alcohol is not suggested but this is Louisiana, so we know you're going to skip that suggestion aren't you?

Sunburn Can and Will Sneak Up on You.

Of all the heat-related issues you can face in the pool most of us will at least plan for sunburn. You'll need a good sunscreen and you'll need to know how that product reacts to pool water and sweat. Chances are you'll want to reapply sunscreen after each dip in the pool or after a prolonged period of basting in your own juices while you work on your tan. By the way, tanning can add to that dehydration issue we mentioned above.

And speaking of sunburn, if you decide to debut a new swimsuit by the pool over the next few days you might want to spend some time looking in the mirror to see which body parts won't be covered by swimsuit fabric and might need an extra dose of sunscreen. This can be true, especially around the bikini line and the strap lines on many women's swim garments.

Now if you can find a shady place to just relax in the water where there is a little shade...wait a minute, we've got just the place or should we say places for you to explore.