INDIANAPOLIS — Working outdoors in temperatures that feel like the triple digits is not only uncomfortable, it can be dangerous.
Robert Butler is the Hendricks County Assessor, and he has been out working in the heat since 8 a.m. Thursday. He's checking on construction projects as new homes are being built in Plainfield. He's seen the workers take extra steps to stay safe in the heat.
"Running a lot of fans... Trying to stay in the shade... Drinking a lot of fluids... Staying slow working at it," Butler said.
Meanwhile, lifeguards at Indy Parks pools spend their entire day out in the heat.
"Lots of water... lots of ice water... Sometimes we get to jump in the pool," Samaria Blackwell, an Indy Parks lifeguard, said.
While keeping a close eye on families in the pool, lifeguards must also think about their own safety.
"Lots of sunscreens. I reapply almost every time," Blackwell said. "After we go through our rotation — we usually get 45 minutes down — I can usually go inside and sit in the air."
"Our lifeguard safety is huge; If our lifeguards aren't safe, our pools aren't safe," Haley Dickey, Manager of Garfield Park Family Center, said. "We make sure they stay hydrated — they always have water. We take buckets around and dump it on their legs."
Amy Eddy says Garfield Park is her family's favorite pool to visit, and on a hot summer day, it's the perfect place to try and beat the heat.
"It's too hot to be outside when you're not in the water with these types of temperatures," Eddy said.
When she's not in the pool, she sits in the shade and brings water and snacks to keep her sons safe while they play in the water.
"I'm keeping an eye on my 9-year-old who keeps going down the water slide — he loves it," Eddy said.
It's a fun and safe way to stay cool on a summer day.
LIST | Cooling centers across Central Indiana during heatwave |Reminder: Your pets need to stay cool in extreme heat too | Tips: Staying safe in the extreme heat |
