- Outdoor sports and recreation are often held when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are very strong.
- Water, sand, concrete and snow can reflect and increase the sun’s UV rays.
- Most people get their most serious sunburn while participating in outdoor recreational activities.
- Sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer.
For information on protection for kids in the heat and sun visit the Camp Resources section under Resources.
Rugby Canada has also created Heat Guidelines that provides recommendations for exercising in extreme environments based on the guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine. These Heat Guidelines are intended to minimize the risk of the onset of heat illness and provide a framework for communities, teams and venue to operate safely during periods of climatic extreme.
Use the Heat Stress Index Calculator to determine your heat stress Heat Stress Index in relation to air temperature at various relative humidities (RH%). The resulting number can be used in conjucntion with the guidelines and recommendations listed under Rugby Canada’s Heat Guidelines.
Many factors influence the onset of heat illness and their significance should be recognised when exercise is
undertaken in a hot environment. It should however be recognised that it is very difficult to identify with
certainty that an individual will suffer heat stroke.
While extreme heat can put everyone at risk from heat illnesses, health risks are greatest for:
• older adults;
• infants and young children;
• people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions, or psychiatric illnesses;
• people who work in the heat;
• people who exercise in the heat;
• homeless people; and
• low-income earners.
For more information on Extreme Heat Events: heat waves, visit the Health Canada website
