Alicante Airport

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Photo by Rampal Singh on Unsplash

Spain’s renowned sunny climate is one of the main attractions for holidaymakers from the UK and other northern European countries. But it also brings its own risks, especially during summer.

Keen to ensure visiting tourists can enjoy their long-awaited holidays in the sun without any consequences, Alicante City & Beach tourism authorities have released a timely list of “Recommendations and preventive measures against heat waves”.

Here we reprint their invaluable advice in full, so you can ensure you, your companions and family members are aware of the potential dangers and can remain fully protected from the heat. Of course, if you are visiting any of Spain’s other popular beach resort areas, the recommendations are equally as valid.

Preventive Measures Against Heat

  • Drink plenty of water, even though you aren’t thirsty – two litres a day minimum.
  • Take a shower or bath with warm water during the most intense heat.
  • Avoid excessive sun, especially between 12 noon and 4 pm.
  • Eat fruit and vegetables and avoid copious meals.
  • Stay in cooler areas when at home; close blinds and windows during the day and open them at night to ventilate.
  • Help the most vulnerable people around you: the elderly, children and those who are sick.
  • If you are old, are taking medication or have a chronic illness, consult your doctor about any follow-up measures you should take.
  • Wear light, loose clothing, preferably light-coloured cotton.
  • If you go outside, wear a hat and sunglasses and protective sunscreen.
  • Never leave anyone in a closed or parked vehicle, including any pets.
  • If you are going to work out, it is not advisable to do so during the mid-hours of the day.

Avoid Health Problems Caused by Heat

Sunburn:

  • Wear sunscreen and spend little time in the sun.

Muscle cramps due to excessive physical activity or elevated sweating:

  • Stop the activity immediately and rest in a cool place.
  • Do not participate in any intense, long-duration, physical activity.
  • Drink sports drinks or juices diluted with water. 
  • Consult a doctor if the cramps last more than an hour.

Heat exhaustion caused by excessive depletion of body fluids and salts:

  • Main symptoms are headache, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, nausea and/or fainting.
  • Rest in a cool place.
  • Drink sports drinks or juices diluted with water. 
  • Consult your doctor if the symptoms last more than an hour.

Heat Stroke

This can become a serious problem if the body is unable to regulate its temperature, which increases rapidly and can reach 40.6ºC (105.08ºF).

  • Main symptoms are hot, dry and red skin, rapid heartbeat, severe headache, confusion and/or unconsciousness.
  • Call the emergency services number (112) – without urgent medical help, heat stroke can be fatal.
  • While waiting, cool down the body, rest in a dark room, and place a cold water cloth on the body or immerse it in a shower or tub of cool water.