Stay Hydrated
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Stay Hydrated: Heat Safety for Scouts

Outdoor adventures are a core part of the Scouting experience—but when temperatures rise, hydration becomes critical for staying healthy and safe. Whether you’re at summer camp, on a hike, or helping at a service project, following safe hydration practices can help prevent heat-related illnesses.

Pro Tip: Buddy up! Always keep an eye on your friends during outdoor activities and remind each other to hydrate and take breaks in the shade.

Hydration Guidelines at a Glance

✅ Drink 1 cup (8 oz) of water every 15–20 minutes during activity
✅ Don’t exceed 48 oz/hour to avoid hyponatremia
✅ Begin hydrating before you feel thirsty
✅ Use electrolyte-replacement drinks during intense or extended activity
✅ Urine should be light yellow — darker color signals dehydration

Watch for Signs of Heat Stress

  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Hot, dry skin or heavy sweating
  • Muscle cramps

🚨 If a Scout shows these signs, stop activity immediately, move to shade, hydrate, and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

Signs of Heat Stroke

  • Body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher
  • Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
  • Rapid and strong pulse
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizures

First Aid for Heat Stroke

If you suspect a Scout or leader is experiencing heat stroke:

  1. Call 911 immediately. This is a life-threatening emergency.

  2. Move the person to a cooler place. Get them into shade or an air-conditioned space if possible.

  3. Cool them quickly.

    • Remove excess clothing.

    • Use cool, wet cloths on the skin or immerse in cool water.

    • Fan them or apply ice packs to armpits, neck, and groin.

  4. Do NOT give fluids. Unlike heat exhaustion, someone with heat stroke may not be conscious or able to safely swallow.

  5. Monitor closely until medical help arrives.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses too much water and salt through sweat. It often happens during vigorous activity in hot, humid weather and is less severe than heat stroke, but still requires prompt care.

  • Inability to concentrate
  • Pale or ashen skin
  • Rapid pulse
  • Severe thirst
  • Heavy sweating, skin may be clammy, not hot
  • Fatigue, weakness, irritability
  • Nausea, dizziness, headache

First Aid for Heat Exhaustion

  • Move the person to a cooler place.

    • Find shade or an air-conditioned building or vehicle.

  • Have them lie down and rest.

    • Elevate their legs slightly if possible.

  • Loosen or remove excess clothing.

  • Cool the person down.

    • Fan them, apply cool damp cloths, or mist with water.

  • Encourage small sips of water or a sports drink.

    • Only if they are conscious, alert, and not nauseated.

  • Monitor their condition.

    • If symptoms don’t improve within 30 minutes, seek medical attention.

  • Watch closely for signs of heat stroke.

    • If they stop sweating or become confused, it’s an emergency—call 911.

Hydration Color Scale

Hydration Level Color Scale
Very Well Hydrated
Hydrated
Mild Dehydration
Dehydrated
Severely Dehydrated

Additional Resources

CDC Heat Stress: Hydration (English)

Estrés por calor Hidratación (español)

Scout Safety Moment: Heat-Related Illness

Scout Life Magazine: How to Avoid Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke