AuDN4T

Last year there was an uproar from the public about pool lifeguards refusing unsafe work. This is a fair concern since they are located on their lifeguard chairs without any sort of methods of cooling off.

Cycling today in 45°C humidex was difficult (37°C, 49%RH). I think it did impact me because I am experiencing some sort of symptoms at the moment. Based on the heat stress calculator they can work with 45 minute relief per hour along with getting cool water every 20 minutes.

I don’t know how they are staying cool but I’m not sure if they are having breaks to cool off.

I’m not sure if they are allowed to get into the pool water to cool off for a bit?

Considering others who are out and about for the FIFA world cup events, I feel like they are likely struggling as well – not only the fans but also the first responders. The dark clothing doesn’t make it easy on them. It was great to see that the fire department were trying to cool off the crowds with cold water misting but it was still insanely hot.

It’s a day that was not a good idea to be out; however, I know there are many people who do not have a choice in this:

• Homeless people
• Ground Air Traffic Controllers
• Emergency personnel
• People who do not have a vehicle and rely on transit or cycling
• People who do not have air conditioning at home; there are many apartments and homes that are not equipped with A/C
• Some people cannot afford A/C and the electrical bill that comes with it; according to ACORN 36% of tenants don’t have A/C

I do hope construction companies recognize that they cannot have their employees working in this weather.

The other aspect is the extreme temperature differences a body has to go through when being exposed to high heat and then sudden swings of a temperature controlled office/hospital.

Again – I realize I am to some extent privileged because I do have a car. I have portable A/C units that can cool down the apartment to some extent. There are people who do not and are now at a higher risk of heat stroke. I can say that my A/C is not as powerful as an HVAC unit you’d find in a condo or house and it can get really uncomfortable.

These temperatures are definitely unseasonable… and it is very concerning. We have to do something about our carbon emissions….

Possible solutions for our lifeguards:

• cooling towels (soaked in cold water) – can be placed around the neck and face; have a cooler with ice next to them to allow them to rotate the towels
• rotate and let them cool off in the pool; or indoors if there is A/C available?
• have a system in place to have them check in with each other if they are feeling ok
• have a paramedic on-site in the event of a heat stroke case