LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Dangerous heat is prompting Jefferson County Public Schools to take extra precautions to keep student-athletes safe.
What You Need To Know
- Near triple-digit temperatures are hitting Kentucky
- Jefferson County Public Schools are taking precautions to keep student-athletes safe
- This includes ice baths on the sidelines, extra water and monitoring for obvious signs of heat illnesses
- The district pushed back the start of a soccer game Aug. 26 and said it may move around practices if necessary
Coaches and athletic trainers across the commonwealth are keeping thermostats close this week as temperatures continue heating up. High temperatures across Kentucky were in the low and mid 90s for the second straight day, with little relief in sight.
“Usually, about every 10 to 15 minutes or so, we’re looking at that heat index,” said April Brooks, JCPS executive director of activities and athletics.
The district notified teams and coaches Sunday, Aug. 25 practice formats would likely change amid the hot temperatures. If temperatures hit 87 degrees, shade and water must be always in reach for student-athletes, and the length of practice may be shortened if they hit 95 degrees.
“As it gets heightened, we will look at lowering practices from two hours to one hour,” Brooks said.
Ice baths are on the sidelines, too, as coaching staff watch for signs of exhaustion.
"If they are showing obvious signs of a heat illness, we'll go ahead and throw them in (the bath) to cool them down," said Ally Schum, Pleasure Ridge Park High School athletic trainer.
Brooks added coaches and trainers are monitoring things such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting. The district said it already pushed back the start time of at least one soccer match Aug. 26 and may delay the start times of upcoming football games Aug. 30 if temperatures are indeed too high.