Thirsty? Here’s how to stay hydrated and sunburn-free during fall festival season.
It’s festival season! Headed to the Nashville Beer Festival or SoundHarvest Music Festival in October? We’ve put together a safety guide. Follow these tips to stay safe and have the maximum amount of (healthy) fun.
1. Drink water. Lots of it.
Sure, you’re at a beer festival and you feel nice and hydrated. Surprise! You still need to drink water, so take a break and fill a pint glass with some ice-cold H20.
What to look for: Signs of dehydration include increased thirst, dry mouth, swollen tongue, lack of sweat, weakness, dizziness, etc.
What to do: Simple dehydration? Grab a water bottle or a sports drink that can replenish electrolytes, sugar and salt balance. More severe dehydration may require intravenous (IV) fluids and medical attention.
2. Apply sunscreen early and often.
It happens to the best of us. You bring a bottle of SPF 1,000 sunscreen with the best intentions. And you forget to use it … until you have the worst sunburn of your life.
What to look for: Sunburn symptoms — redness, pain, fever — typically appear a few hours after exposure. Be especially careful if you have fair skin or are on medications that make you susceptible to burning, such as doxycycline, Cipro, Accutane and Benadryl.
What to do: Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 (or higher) to all exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours. Be especially careful when you’re spending time on sand, pavement and water, which reflect harmful UV rays.
3. Look out for family and friends.
We all get by with a little help from our friends. Whether you’re out for the day or for a long weekend, you’ll have a better, safer experience if everyone is looking out for each other.
What to look for: Know your limits — and your friends’ — if consuming alcohol. Don’t be afraid to cut them off. Also be aware of aggressive individuals or groups who may have bad intentions. See someone you don’t know who’s not doing well? Help them out!
What to do: Stick together, first and foremost. Separated? Have a designated meeting place. Also know where the emergency medical and festival security tents are in case an emergency happens. Notify festival staff if you see anyone acting suspiciously or inappropriately.
Have those three things down? These bonus tips will help you make the most of your experience:
- Bring a portable battery charger.
- Leave valuable belongings at home.
- Make driving arrangements beforehand.
- Eat regularly throughout the day.
- Protect your hearing with noise-reducing earplugs.
- Bring layers for nighttime events.
- Let someone know where you are at all times.
Can’t wait till next year’s CMA Music Festival? Watch Carrie Underwood and Darius Rucker rock out for kids with Williams syndrome.
