Heatwaves forecast for the long weekend: stay safe from extreme heat and in the water
Ahead of predicted high temperatures this long weekend, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has issued a Heat Health Warning, with the Bureau of Meteorology also anticipated to issue a severe heatwave warning for the North East weather district commencing Saturday 9 March.
Staying safe in extremely hot weather
Extreme heat can be dangerous for anybody. Older people, people with a pre-existing medical condition, pregnant women, young children and babies are especially at risk of health risks in extreme weather conditions.
Please keep an eye on the temperature forecasts and warnings in your region, and take precautions for both yourself and those who may be vulnerable to heightened health risks from very hot weather.
Remember in extreme heat, you may also need to keep an eye on Australian Fire Danger warnings (and possibly prepare for bushfire conditions depending on your location).
To protect yourself from adverse health effects in extreme heat:
- Drink plenty of water. Always carry a bottle of water with you and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Hot cars kill. Never leave kids, adults or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.
- Keep cool. Seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers, and dress in light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics.
- Plan ahead. Schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you must go out, take a bottle of water with you and be SunSmart (including wearing a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn, and seeking shade where possible).
- Check in on others. Look after those most at risk in the heat – your neighbour living alone, older people, children and babies, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets.
- If you feel unwell, seek help. Call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024 or see your doctor if you are unwell. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
See the Victorian Better Health website’s Survive the Heat webpage for more advice.
Heading to the beach?
Swimming is a great way to cool off, but it requires smart choices or else it can end in tragedy.
To protect yourself from getting into trouble in the water:
- Only swim at a patrolled beach with other people, and always stay between the red and yellow flags. The BeachSafe website and app show nearby patrolled beaches and where there might be hazards in the water.
- If you’re a weak swimmer or someone in your group is, choose a council pool with a lifeguard on duty instead of the beach, or use lifejackets.
- Rips are the number one beach hazard, and they can be unpredictable and dangerous even for confident swimmers. Do you know how to recognise a rip and what to do if you’re caught in one?
- Know your limits. You may think you’re capable in the water but don’t overestimate your abilities. Veteran lifesaver Dr Shayne Baker says that a strong swimmer is someone who swims at least 12–16 kilometres a week.
- Never swim after you’ve had alcohol or drugs. Research by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia found 40% of the men who fatally drowned in the past decade had drugs or alcohol in their systems.
- If someone you’re with gets into trouble, seek expert help and don’t try to rescue them yourself. Bystander rescues often involve the death of both the person attempting the rescue and the person in trouble.
- Be Sunsmart. Don’t get complacent with sun protection – the UV rays can get very dangerously high in Australia during the summer months, resulting in painful sunburns and a heightened risk of skin cancer down the track. Find out more about sun safety in Australia.