Pan Am Games athletes told to be careful amid Toronto heat alert

Toronto's medical officer of health issued the first heat alert of 2015 on Saturday, ahead of temperatures that are expected to exceed 30 C this weekend.

Environment Canada has also issued a heat warning for much of southern Ontario, and the Pan Am Games is warning athletes and spectators to watch for signs of overheating, as temperatures soar during the second weekend of the competition.

Baseball, canoe and softball are some of the outdoor events scheduled for the afternoon, following morning events which included women's marathon and both men and women's beach volleyball. 

Two athletes were treated for heat-related illness this morning by Pan Am Games medical staff, officials said. 

Dr. Julie Alleyne, the Games' chief medical officer, said that while many athletes competing at the Games are used to the heat, they may not be used to the humidity.

And, she said, the pressure of competing could drive them to push harder than they normally would in this weather.

"We put our heat response plan into place, which means that for our athletes — lots of water, lots of splash water for skin and wet towels, making sure the early signs of dehydration — muscle cramping and fatigue, are attended to," said Alleyne.

"For our spectators — lots and lots of water, sunscreen, hats and shade spaces."

Alleyne said organizers have increased the size of their medical team in response to the temperature, which is expected to peak around 32 C,  with the humidex making it feel around 40 C. Temperatures might be slightly cooler near the shorelines of the Great Lakes.

Spectators are urged to wear hats, drink lots of water and apply sunscreen frequently.

Relief from heat expected Monday

With the heat alert, residents are encouraged to check up on family, friends and neighbours, especially those who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness.

Residents can also beat the heat by visiting an air conditioned public place, such as shopping malls, libraries and community centres. 

The region could see some relief on Monday, when Environment Canada is calling for a high in the upper 20s.

Residents are advised to drink plenty of liquids, especially water, before they feel thirsty to decrease the risk of dehydration.

Also, they're reminding drivers not to leave pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.

While extreme heat can put everyone at risk from heat illnesses, Environment Canada says health risks are greatest for the following people:

• Older adults.
• Infants and young children.
• People with chronic illnesses such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions or psychiatric illnesses.
• People who work in the heat.
• People who exercise in the heat.
• People without access to air conditioning.
• Homeless people.