11/08/2026
Good to see that our DC takes hydration seriously 😝
Summer Camp – Hot Weather Safety Measures
Dear Parent/Carer,
With the current hot weather, I wanted to reassure you about the measures we have in place to keep all 117 cadets safe and well throughout summer camp.
We are particularly mindful that young people can be more susceptible to heat illness than adults. Our planning takes the age of our cadets into account.
We are operating in accordance with the Sea Cadet Heat Illness Regulations and the relevant MOD Heat Illness Prevention guidelines.
These procedures are specifically designed to ensure that heat risk is actively assessed, monitored and managed rather than relying simply on the temperature outside.
Throughout camp we are therefore:
* Assessing the heat risk before activities begin, taking into account the activity intensity and the Met Office UV Index.
* Dynamically reassessing conditions throughout the day, at least three times daily and more frequently when conditions change or the assessed risk increases.
* Adjusting the programme where necessary, including reducing the intensity or duration of activities, changing clothing or equipment requirements, increasing rest periods, moving activities into shade or, where appropriate, postponing or cancelling an activity.
* Providing regular hydration opportunities and ensuring water remains readily available.
* Building rest and recovery periods into activities, with rest taking place with minimal activity and in the shade.
Ensuring cadets and staff receive heat-illness safety briefings, know the early signs and symptoms and understand that they should speak up immediately if they or somebody else feels unwell.
* Applying additional precautions such as sun protection, appropriate clothing, reducing physical intensity and monitoring equipment loads as the assessed heat risk increases.
Both staff and cadets have been assured that there is no pressure to "push through" feeling unwell. Any cadet can raise a concern or ask to pause, and staff have been instructed to act immediately if they see anything that concerns them.
If signs or symptoms of possible heat illness are observed or reported, the activity will be stopped or paused, the individual will be moved to a cooler/shaded environment and cooling measures commenced, with medical assistance sought as appropriate. The activity will only restart following reassessment and the implementation of any additional controls required.
We will continue to monitor conditions closely throughout the camp. If we are not satisfied that an activity can be delivered safely, we will change it, postpone it or cancel it. The programme is important, but the welfare of our cadets comes first.
One way parents can help is by making sure we are aware of any medical condition, recent illness, medication or other health issue that may make your child more susceptible to heat illness.
I hope this provides some reassurance that the hot weather is being taken seriously and that we have robust procedures in place to manage it.
Thank you for your continued support, and please be assured that we will continue to put the safety and wellbeing of every cadet and Adult Volunteer at the centre of our decisions throughout Summer Camp.
Company Commander
