Protecting kids and seniors from excessive heat

By Rikki Cheese

CREATED Jul. 11, 2012

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  • The extreme heat hitting Southern Nevada this week is particularly dangerous for children and the elderly. Video by ktnv.com

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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- The extreme heat hitting Southern Nevada this week is particularly dangerous for children and the elderly.

Health experts say they should be even more vigilant about drinking enough water, and finding ways to stay cool.

Fortunately, there are some local options that can help them do that.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve landscaper Yusef Coleman can't avoid the searing sun, but says he knows how to keep his cool. He says he drinks about one liter of water every hour. Coleman says he's built summer stamina over five years, but he's a young guy. Experts say senior citizens and kids may need more water than that, and more alternatives to avoid becoming overheated.

Sincere Wilson is attending summer camp at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve. He points to his backpack and says, "I got a bunch of water in here but it's not really helping that much."

Indoor ice water is one solution at the Fiesta Hotel and Casino Ice Arena.

A group of guys who range in age from 50 to 80.. skates three times a week. But even with a temperature that stays at 60 degrees, they perspire after putting on their gear.

Still, Ice Arena director Rob Pallin says it's a great way for all ages to keep cool, and these days the arena's public skate hours are packed. Pallin says, "It's awesome for kids because I believe that there's not enough things in this city to do for children."

Also packed with kids this week? Parks with water features.

Tracy Mauro of Creative Kids Learning Center says, "We have the water play to keep them cool. We also bring a cooler of ice cold water for them. And we make them come every fifteen minutes to get a drink and cool off in the shade."

Plus, Mauro says, kids should be encouraged to only play on shaded playground equipment.

Stay with Action News for continuing coverage of Southern Nevada's excessive heat, and ways to protect you and your family.