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Go Ape in hot weather

Published on: 14/07/2023

Here comes the sun

A heatwave is on its way to send most areas across the country into a summer sizzler.

While most of us welcome the hot weather, a heatwave can come with serious health risks including:

  • Dehydration
  • Overheating
  • Heat exhaustion and heatstroke

For the outdoor lovers hoping to get their adventure on and make the most of the sunny weather, here’s how to stay safe at our Go Ape locations and beat the heat!

Did you know?

Trees make their surrounding areas cooler by emitting water vapour into the air through their leaves. Trees also offer a significant amount of shade from direct sunlight, so as long as you take care to follow the safety measures, our Go Ape forest locations are a great way to enjoy the sun outdoors.

girl in white on treetop adventure

Stay Hydrated

Water stations can be found at all of our UK Go Ape locations. Make sure you and your tribe stay hydrated during your active day out.

Even though you won’t need water bottles to hand while completing the courses, it’s crucial to always have water with you while travelling to your Go Ape location in the heat.

For those spectating bring a reusable bottle, grab a number of our leafy hideouts are part of the refill.org scheme. Pop your head in the cabin and ask one of our friendly team for a top up. If you've forgotten your bottle at home don't despair, you can buy your very own Go Ape water bottles at our cabins. 

What to wear?

Wearing lighter, airy clothing is always best in the heat. Tighter darker clothing can trap heat and make you feel much hotter.

We do however suggest you wear something you don't mind getting grubby.

One suggestion to protect yourself from the sun is lightweight trousers and long sleeved tees.

Where it’s not possible to protect your skin with clothing, always apply the recommended amount of your chosen sunscreen to areas exposed to the sun.

Remember

Despite the urge to dust off your holiday clothes and flip-flops, it’s important to dress appropriately for the Go Ape activities.

You need to make sure you have the correct footwear which can’t fall off easily. This should offer protection to your toes and heel. Please do not wear sandals, crocs, flip flops, slip-off or high heel shoes.

Your stomach area will need to be covered to prevent the harness rubbing, and long hair must be tied back to prevent entanglements in the equipment. For more information visit our FAQs page.

 

person on zip line against sky

Get out the sunscreen

Speaking of sunscreen, it may be surprising but you can get sunburn in the UK, not just on holiday! Check your sunscreen is still in date, and follow recommended guidelines to purchase sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB and at least 4-star UVA protection.

Did you know, sunscreen SPF factors are to do with how long they allow sun exposure before you burn

Apply and reapply sunscreen liberally and frequently following the instructions specific to your sunscreen.

Remember

Children have much more sensitive skin than adults. Take extra care to ensure children are wearing appropriate clothing and coverings, and reapply sunscreen frequently especially to areas not protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands.

Children aged under 6 months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight.

Recognise the signs

By following the correct precautions in the sun, you can still enjoy a trip to your chosen Go Ape location safely.

If you or a member of your tribe experience any of the following:

  • a headache
  • dizziness and confusion
  • loss of appetite and feeling sick
  • excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
  • cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
  • fast breathing or pulse
  • a high temperature of 38C or above
  • being very thirsty

It may be a sign of heat-stroke or heat-exhaustion, and they need to be cooled down.

if you do have any concerns whilst out on any of our adventures please do bring it to the attention of one of our friendly instructors.

 

For more information on staying safe in the heatwave, groups who are most at risk in the extreme heat and what to do if you or someone you’re with is experiencing heat-stroke visit the NHS website. 

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