Organising outdoor YFC activities during a heatwave

During the summer months, YFCs are more likely to organise outdoor activities, such as BBQs and trips to the seaside.

Fire safety

If hosting a club BBQ, use it in a designated area only. Never place barbecues directly on grass, woodland or other flammable surfaces.

Follow these guidelines for a safe BBQ:

Your grill should be on a flat, non-flammable surface (such as stone or bare dirt) and at least 10 feet away from any property, fences, sheds, trees, or tents.
Be mindful of dry ground and especially of your surroundings if on a farm.
Avoid Open Flames in parks and open land. Dry grass and vegetation can ignite in seconds, and fires spread rapidly in warm, windy conditions.
Avoid disposable barbecues if possible, and stick to using proper firelighters rather than flammable liquids like petrol.
Check wind direction before lighting: Even a light breeze can carry sparks into surrounding grass or woodland.
Keep ignition sources away from vegetation: Matches, lighters and disposable barbecues can all cause accidental ignition if handled carelessly.
Never leave a barbecue unattended: Hot embers can blow into dry vegetation, and a moment’s distraction is enough for a fire to take hold.
Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose nearby at all times. Never leave coals to smoulder unattended, and ensure they are fully cooled before disposal.

Swimming

Organising a club activity to go to the seaside or for a swim in rivers or lakes can seem like a good way to stay cool when the weather heats up. It can also be dangerous!

The sea or open water may look inviting during hot weather, but it remains cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which can cause uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, and can lead to panic and drowning very quickly.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, the RNLI’s safety advice is Float to Live:

Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
Relax and try to breathe normally
Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.’

If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:

Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help.
Tell the struggling person to Float to Live.
Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.

The best places to swim are somewhere supervised. You can find a list of UK beaches with lifeguards on the RNLI website.

Swimming guidelines

If you do choose to go swimming outdoors, please follow these guidelines:

Look for warning signs and only swim where there are lifeguards.
Check tide information and wave height.
Take mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
Get in the water slowly to avoid cold water shock.
Don’t swim away from the beach and stay in your depth.
Wear a brightly coloured swim cap so you can be seen.
Never swim after drinking alcohol.
Get out of water as soon as you feel cold.
Wear life jackets if boating or fishing.
Always swim with another person and always tell someone else on the shore what you’re doing and when you plan to be back.
If in doubt, stay out.

Travel

If you’re activities involve some form of travel, assess which travel methods will work the best in the heat. Always carry plenty of water and plan rest breaks ahead of the trip.

You’ll need to ensure all drivers have enough time to rest too and share driving responsibilities if possible. Give yourself extra time to allow for breaks.

Pick the cooler parts of the day for making a journey – leaving earlier in the morning for example, will make it more comfortable in the heat and there should also be less traffic on the roads.