Safe Golfing During the Caribbean Heat Season
Near record heat can be expected until October, according to predictions from the Barbados-based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) in its Heat Outlook for April to September 2024. Intense, near-record night-time and daytime heat is expected by August and September.
2024-08-02 16:40:30 - VI News Staff
For those who are planning to bring their golfing game to the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean, adapting to the tropical weather — particularly during a heatwave — can be a major challenge. When aiming to play your best in tropical climates, safety reigns supreme, with hydration and sun protection among key considerations for a safe and successful game.
Hydration is essential
While golf isn’t as physically demanding as basketball, soccer, or football, sun protection and proper hydration remain essential to a safe game — especially when playing in high temperatures. It’s important to realize that approximately 60% of the human body is made up of water. Sarah Adler, MS, RD, and performance dietitian with UCLA Health Sports Performance points out that it’s important to “replenish our losses, especially with increased sweating in the summer.” Adler goes on to point out that thirst isn’t always a great indicator for hydration, as thirst can appear after the body is already dehydrated (urine color, on the other hand, can be a more reliable indicator of hydration levels, Adler notes). In addition to bringing along plenty of water when out on the green, there are additional ways to stay hydrated. Hydrating foods are the perfect snack to bring along in a cooler on the golf cart, with watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries just a few worth mentioning. “Hydration starts early. It starts the night before, it starts weeks before,” stresses golfer Madelene Sagstrom.