The Dangers of Summer Heat

Posted by Steven M. Cohen Jun 29, 2009

It's summer...and here in Southern California, that means daily temperatures in the 90's and 100's. For those who work indoors all day, that reality isn't much of an issue. However, for people who work or play outside, the high temperatures can be a threat to their well being. My family got a dose of that reality this weekend.

My older daughter Nicole, age 12, was playing in a USTA tennis tournament at our local club. Although we've been enjoying a relatively cool June, this weekend the summer heat finally arrived. My daughter played her semi-final match at 1:30 pm on Sunday - courtside temperature was 95 degrees F. Although the tournament officials knew the risks, they insisted the match go on as scheduled. My daughter had been properly prepared for playing in the oppressive heat. She stayed indoors until just before the match. She was well hydrated, and brought plenty of fluids with her onto the court to consume during the match. She used a wet towel to cool off during change-overs.

Most importantly, she was instructed to default if she began to feel the slightest bit ill while playing. Although my wife and I would be thrilled for her were she to win the tournament, we understand that risking heat stroke, organ failure or death is far too high a price to pay for a USTA girls' 12 singles trophy.

It was a difficult match. Nicole has been playing great tennis this spring and summer, but her opponent was a strong player as well. Nicole dropped the first set, 2-6. She was down 2-5 in the second set, when her opponent began to show signs of heat related illness. Nicole immediately got an official, and the match was halted for an “injury time out”. Amazingly, during that time, this girl's parents were, according to reliable sources, encouraging her to go back out and continue to play. Apparently, they felt the risks of heat related illness were less important than the wood and plastic winner's trophy.

The match continued, but Nicole's opponent was not the same. Nicole fought off a match point, and came back to win the set, and the third set tiebreak for the match. I was proud of her efforts, and appalled that her opponent continue on in the heat.

Nicole played in the finals 3 hours later – the temperature was now 100 degrees F. She was at the top of her game, and sprinted out to a 5-1 lead in the opening set. And then.....she felt a bit dizzy, and nauseous. We immediately had her come indoors and default the match. She was disappointed, but took home her runner up trophy with grace, and in good health. I guess the heat giveth, and the heat taketh away.