Ironfans, this water's for you

There’s danger at Ironman CDA today, potentially the lethal kind.

And we’re not just talking about the athletes.

Those 3,000 or so brave souls are going to be exposed to a blazing sun and temperatures above the century mark — but so are the throngs who will be cheering them on.

The athletes, organizers and volunteers are taking many precautions to avert tragedy on the course. Are you?

Like many residents, we’re thrilled to have the full Ironman back in our community. Pre-pandemic, enthusiasm had withered significantly, with participation down at the athlete and fan levels. They called it Ironman fatigue, and they weren’t talking about the competitors crossing the finish line.

Well, do something for many years and folks can take it for granted or even get tired of it, hence the fatigue. Take it away for a while, though, and everyone’s ready to bring out the cowbells and leather lungs to support friends and family competing in the all-day race.

Good crowds could be lining the streets again — which is great news for the athletes but could be perilous to their supporters. That’s why preparation needs to be universal.

Just a few of the key tips from Mayo Clinic to help you prevent heat exhaustion include:

Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.

Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.

Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.

Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

We also ask fans to bring extra bottles of water for anyone around them who might not be so well prepared. Ironman is as good a place as any to practice the neighborliness that’s made Coeur d’Alene famous.