Summer heat records are being broken across the country this year, which means it’s more important than ever to take steps to prevent heat illness in your crew. Make sure you read these essential heat safety tips from Paul Watkins, a Texan Golf Course Superintendent who’s well-versed in battling sweltering humidity and 100°+ conditions at the River Crest Country Club facility.
Paul Watkins, Golf Safety Member and Golf Course Superintendent at River Crest Country Club
Refresher Training
It doesn’t matter how experienced your crew is – it’s still important to start off each summer with safety reminders. Watkins instills the importance of preventative measures in his crew with refresher training courses, which ensures that his crew tees off for the season with heat safety at the forefront of their minds.
Vigilance
Make sure your crew members stay vigilant when detecting the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. During the summer months at River Crest Country Club, Watkins also checks in on his team regularly throughout the day to make sure they’re staying safe. Knowing the signs in a dangerous situation can make a life or death difference, so make sure you practice vigilance when it gets hot out.
Electrolytes
Simply drinking water isn’t enough to keep your crew adequately hydrated. Consuming too much water without topping up on electrolytes at the same time can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness, Watkins explains. Make sure your crew has free and easy access to electrolyte-rich drinks like Gatorade so that they can stay energized and hydrated while they work.
Take Precautions
Keep your crew safe from the unrelenting sun by providing them with Personal Protective Equipment such as long-sleeved shirts, hats, gloves, and cooling towels.
Building Safety Habits
The safest crew is one that practices consistent habits and creates a continuous cycle of safety. Keep these safety precautions fresh in your crew’s memories with regular training sessions, such as the Golf Safety training videos that Watkin’s uses at River Crest Country Club.
The importance of preventative measures during these dangerous temperatures can’t be overstated. Ensure that you equip your crew with the weapons they need to battle the blaze this summer with these heat safety tips from Paul Watkins. To read more in-depth insights from our interview with Watkins and learn more about preventing heat illness on the golf course, read the full article on the GCSAA site.
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