AUSTIN (KXAN) — August temperatures have only heated up as many students are now back in the classroom.
The start of school also means athletics are back in action, and that means practicing outside for some.
“You have to have all 11 guys doing what they are supposed to be doing,” said Four Points Middle School Athletics Director Glen Bridgewaters.
Bridgewaters has been coaching for more than a decade and paying close attention to the heat is always a top priority.
“We are moving our practices to the morning next week and we will continue to monitor the weather,” said Bridgewaters.
This year the University Interscholastic League (UIL) has adopted what’s called the ‘Wet Bulb Globe Temperature’ as the recommended forecast measurement.
“It measures the direct sunlight, humidity, wind speed as well as the temperature,” Bridgewaters said.
If the readings are in the 80’s or 90’s practice could get canceled or moved to early in the morning.
“I have lived in Texas my whole life so I know, I know how the heat works here,” said 8th grader Henry Pugh. “You just have to drink more water than you want to. It is definitely really important for how you play.”
Bridgewaters said they have a heat emergency plan in place if a player needs to be cooled down quickly. Ice baths and cold showers are on standby along with a utility vehicle parked near the field for quick transport.
The team stops for water breaks often, and Bridgewaters said he encourages his players to speak up if they feel off.
“We always encourage them, hey if you aren’t feeling well let us know,” said Bridgewaters.
Austin-Travis County EMS tells KXAN it has seen an increase in calls due to heat related illness.
Hydrating, staying out of the sun in extreme heat and knowing the signs of heat related illness can keep you safe, according to ATCEMS.