Ways to beat the heat with summer swells

Steamy summer days don’t need to send fitness fanatics or families scrambling indoors.

The summer of 2023 saw some hot moments as nearly 200 million people in the United States — 60 percent of the U.S. population — were under a heat warning, flood warning or on watch last week alone according to the National Weather Service. Recently released data from the World Meteorological Organization indicates that July saw the hottest three-week period on record, the three hottest days on record, and the highest ocean temperatures ever for this time of year.

While staying calm can be a challenge, it can be done.

Blasphemy

Kayak rentals, hosted by Taiter’s Kayak Solutions, continue at RiverScape MetroPark during the month of August on Tuesdays from 2-6pm and Thursdays from 4-8pm as well as during select special events through September. Spot rentals are available for $12 per person per hour and include a brief tutorial and use of a life jacket. This is an ideal choice for first-time paddlers.

Paddlers depart near the Riverside Bridge along the Great Miami Recreation Trail and are free to paddle past the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights for a refreshing excursion.

Water fitness

Are you looking for a more amazing alternative to your usual fitness class? Hit the pool.

Kettering Recreation Complex is one of many recreation centers in the area that has aqua fitness programs. The Kettering facility offers deep and shallow water exercises as well as water jogging/walking. A full list of offerings is available at www.playkettering.org/fitness-wellness/.

The YMCA of Greater Dayton also offers a variety of aquatic exercise classes including some specialty programs such as SilverSneakers Splash and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program. For more information, visit www.daytonymca.org/programs/water-exercise or check for classes at your local recreation center.

Spots and smiles

Fountains, splash pads, and water features can be fun and refreshing for kids and adults alike.

The Five Rivers Fountain of Lights and interactive fountain at RiverScape is open through Labor Day. The Interactive Fountain (111 E. Monument Ave.) is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting, and is located near the snack bar if you need a refreshing drink.

Getting wet is rarely optional at Island MetroPark Sprayground (101 E. Helena St.), but that’s part of the fun of the interactive play area open through Labor Day.

The water feature at Children’s Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark (1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave.) provides a quick cool-down without getting drowned, and is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

The City of Dayton also operates several community spray pads. For the complete list, visit www.daytonohio.gov/558/Splash-Pads.

Safety first summer tips

Recommendations from Public Health – Dayton and Montgomery County:

Stay calm

· Limit outdoor activity, especially in the middle of the day when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight.

· Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.

· Take a cold shower or bath to lower body temperature.

Stay hydrated

· Drink more water than usual and do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink.

· Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.

· Avoid alcohol or liquids that contain high amounts of sugar.

Stay informed

· Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.

· Visit www.phdmc.org to find local information and tips for preventing heat sickness.