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                                                                                           Fishing Florida in Summer

July is the hottest month of the year in Florida. July’s hot and humid temperatures can significantly impact the human body, especially its ability to regulate its internal temperature. When it's hot, your body naturally tries to cool down by sweating. The evaporation of sweat from your skin helps to dissipate heat and lower your hot body temperature. However, high humidity interferes with this natural cooling mechanism. Since the air is already saturated with moisture, sweat cannot evaporate as readily, leaving your body feeling hot and sticky. This can lead to serious adverse effects like heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion may start suddenly or progress over time, especially with prolonged periods of exercise like Grouper and American Red Snapper fishing. Who would stop fishing when a hot bite is on? Possible heat exhaustion symptoms include:

· Body temperature slightly elevated.

· Heavy sweating.

· Faintness.

· Dizziness.

· Fatigue.

· Weak, rapid pulse.

· Low blood pressure upon standing.

· Muscle cramps.

· Nausea.

· Headache.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can look alike, but heatstroke requires immediate medical care. This occurs when your body can no longer control its temperature. Heatstroke is life-threatening. Seek immediate medical care if you or someone you’re with experience any of the following:

· High body temperature (above 103°F)

· Confusion or an altered mental state

· Flushed skin and a lack of sweating despite the heat

· Rapid breathing and racing heartbeat

· Seizures

· Loss of consciousness

Don't wait for emergency responders to arrive before you:

· Move to a shady area

· Remove extra clothing

· Apply cool water or ice packs to lower body temperature.

Check for signs and symptoms of heat stroke.

· Moist, pale or flushed skin*

· No or some sweating*

· Rapid, shallow breathing*

· Seizure*

· Unresponsiveness*

· Rapid, weak heartbeat*

· Confusion*

· Nausea or vomiting*

· Headache or dizziness*

· Weakness

· Exhaustion

*Note: Signs and symptoms with a * require immediate emergency medical treatment.

So, how do we avoid heat related illness and injury? Prevention is always the best medicine. If you start to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous, stop your activity and cool down immediately. To stay cool, prioritize staying hydrated. Nausea is often a sign of dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Consider drinking sports drinks or electrolyte-rich drinks to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that allows air to circulate. Consider wearing a hat and sunglasses to protect your head and eyes from the sun. Wear breathable shoes. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, especially during the hottest part of the day (typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Consider using a reflective umbrella. Avoid

strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. Consider using cooling methods by Soaking a PVA cloth in cold or ice water and apply it to your neck, head, or wrists (Froggs Toggs and Poween Cooling Hats). Use fans to circulate air onto your body.

Additional actions you can take to prevent heat related injury are:

· Acclimate to Florida's heat and humidity, gradually increase exposure to the heat while staying hydrated and dressing appropriately. It takes about two weeks for the average person to acclimate to Florida’s heat and humidity. Once you've acclimated, your body will continue to be more resilient to heat, but you may still need to take precautions during extreme heat events. And here’s the real key: your body acclimatizes according to the level of work you demand of it.

· Do not eat heavy meals or greasy snacks before and during high heat conditions. Eat small meals more often. You want your blood close to your skin to radiate heat and not setting in your stomach digesting a big meal.

· Avoid alcohol and caffeine before high heat activities. They interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature and cause dehydration. Alcohol and caffeine increase the risk of heat exhaustion. Wait until you get off the boat and the fish are cleaned and the knives are put away before you open that second beer.

· People who are most prone to heat exhaustion include older adults (especially over 65), young children (especially under 4), and individuals with pre-existing health conditions including pregnancy, certain medications, or those working or exercising outdoors.

RR 06/12/2025