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Hundreds of children have dodged more than just the heat while cooling down at an ACT waterpark, as forecasters warn Canberrans to expect little respite from the current heatwave until at least Tuesday evening. People of all ages flocked to the Big Splash Waterpark in suburban Belconnen on Sunday in a bid to counter the uncomfortable conditions as the temperature soared above 36 degrees. But it was the youngsters making the biggest splash as the venue wrapped up its three-day obstacle course challenge, which was open to entrants under 18. The park’s general manager, Peter Bone, said a boy aged about 12 or 13 had reigned supreme in a field of roughly 350 competitors. Mr Bone said helping people beat the heat was just a bonus. “We’re really interested in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for children,” he said. Pools and waterparks are set to remain go-to spots in the coming days, with many enjoying time off work to coincide with Australia Day. The temperature is expected to climb as high as 38 degrees on Monday before hitting a maximum of 37 on the public holiday Tuesday. “We’re not really going to see much in the way of relief from this heat until late Tuesday or Wednesday,” Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse said on Sunday. “In Canberra, it is going to remain quite warm. “But as we will see some showers developing later in the afternoon or evening [on Tuesday], we’re looking at temperatures in the mid-30s.” The bureau is tipping the maximum temperature to drop to 29 degrees on Wednesday. Ms Woodhouse said while this heatwave was unlikely to threaten any records, it was “quite significant” in light of recent conditions. “We’ve had a relatively mild summer compared to last year,” she said. “What we’re seeing with this heatwave is multiple days with those really high maximum and minimum temperatures, which can be quite difficult to manage when we haven’t had a history of that for this summer.” ACT Health recognised that last Thursday when it issued a public health alert, warning Canberrans and those visiting the capital to stay safe amid increased risks to their safety. “Everyone can be susceptible to heat-related stress and illness in the heat,” ACT chief health officer Kerryn Coleman said. “That’s why people need to stay hydrated and stay cool. “This is particularly for older people, pregnant women, young children and babies, who are most at risk. “Look out for the early symptoms of heat-related stress, including headaches, dizziness, faintness, nausea and vomiting. “In babies, signs of heat stress include irritability, restlessness and a reduced number of wet nappies.” ACT Ambulance Service chief officer Howard Wren urged people to take extra precautions when enjoying the outdoors. “It is particularly important people seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, drink plenty of water and limit their alcohol consumption,” he said. Safety tips to help people beat the summer heat are available on the ACT Health website.
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Hundreds of children have dodged more than just the heat while cooling down at an ACT waterpark, as forecasters warn Canberrans to expect little respite from the current heatwave until at least Tuesday evening.
People of all ages flocked to the Big Splash Waterpark in suburban Belconnen on Sunday in a bid to counter the uncomfortable conditions as the temperature soared above 36 degrees.
But it was the youngsters making the biggest splash as the venue wrapped up its three-day obstacle course challenge, which was open to entrants under 18.
The park’s general manager, Peter Bone, said a boy aged about 12 or 13 had reigned supreme in a field of roughly 350 competitors.
Mr Bone said helping people beat the heat was just a bonus.
“We’re really interested in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for children,” he said.
Lily, 10, keeps her balance as she competes in the Big Splash Waterpark obstacle course challenge. Picture: Dion Georgopoulos
Pools and waterparks are set to remain go-to spots in the coming days, with many enjoying time off work to coincide with Australia Day.
The temperature is expected to climb as high as 38 degrees on Monday before hitting a maximum of 37 on the public holiday Tuesday.
“We’re not really going to see much in the way of relief from this heat until late Tuesday or Wednesday,” Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse said on Sunday.
“In Canberra, it is going to remain quite warm.
“But as we will see some showers developing later in the afternoon or evening [on Tuesday], we’re looking at temperatures in the mid-30s.”
The bureau is tipping the maximum temperature to drop to 29 degrees on Wednesday.
Ms Woodhouse said while this heatwave was unlikely to threaten any records, it was “quite significant” in light of recent conditions.
A boy flies through the air as he takes on the obstacle course challenge at the Big Splash Waterpark on Sunday. Picture: Dion Georgopoulos
“We’ve had a relatively mild summer compared to last year,” she said.
“What we’re seeing with this heatwave is multiple days with those really high maximum and minimum temperatures, which can be quite difficult to manage when we haven’t had a history of that for this summer.”
“Everyone can be susceptible to heat-related stress and illness in the heat,” ACT chief health officer Kerryn Coleman said.
“That’s why people need to stay hydrated and stay cool.
Scores of people cool off at the Big Splash Waterpark on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Dion Georgopoulos
“This is particularly for older people, pregnant women, young children and babies, who are most at risk.
“Look out for the early symptoms of heat-related stress, including headaches, dizziness, faintness, nausea and vomiting.
“In babies, signs of heat stress include irritability, restlessness and a reduced number of wet nappies.”
ACT Ambulance Service chief officer Howard Wren urged people to take extra precautions when enjoying the outdoors.
“It is particularly important people seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, drink plenty of water and limit their alcohol consumption,” he said.
