The danger from heat and outdoor activity in hot weather are unfortunately still severely underestimated by the vast majority of people. In 2024 the first heat wave hit earlier than it normally would, and at the time of writing we already mourn the death of 8 hikers nationwide, 3 of which died in Crete. This post gives you valuable information to help make your day out safer for you.
Here are a few tips that could save your life if you get in trouble:
– First and foremost: Do not blindly accept the “recommendations” given on social media about what is possible, where and how. Most of these “recommendations” are given by people who are, just like you, visitors with no long-term local knowledge about terrain and weather. That kind of advice is, to say the least, irresponsible through its total lack of in-depth knowledge of local conditions. Ask somebody who has long term experience and knowledge!
– Tell somebody where you are going, how long you expect to be there, and call them when you are finished! This is very important because there are many areas, certainly in the mountains, that have absolutely no coverage and SOS signals or telephone contact are quite simply not possible! See also our advice on the Life360 app below.
– Leave as early as possible, so you don’t get caught out during the hottest time of the day.
– Wear a hat, or better even, headcover that also covers the back of your neck and your shoulders.
– Wear shoes appropriate for the walk, not for the weather!
– Take salty snacks. NO sweat stuff !
– Take plenty of water. Better to bring some back than to run out! Do not drink coffee, alcohol, soft drinks (that includes sugar-free stuff!) or those so-called energy drinks during your hike. In this weather they are all outright dangerous! Read this article to learn more…
– make “Electrolyte” water for your hike. 1l of water, mix in the juice of 2 or 3 fresh lemons and add a good teaspoon of sea salt (not bicarbonate!). Mix thoroughly and drink a mouthful of this every hour.
It will help keep your body’s PH level balanced, which is vital.
– Use walking sticks. They will not only help you keep your walking rhythm and balance, but they will keep your blood circulation going preventing swelling of wrists and fingers (which can be extremely painful in severe cases).
– Take plenty of rest-stops during your hike.
– Make sure your phone is fully charged, switched on and data are also switched on. If you have it, take a fully charged power bank with you. If you have the Life360 app on your phone (and it’s highly recommended you install it!), switch it on, add your start and end points as new locations and keep the app open while hiking. Ask those in your circle to have their app on as well, just in case … You can press the SOS button if you need help, and those you have told about your hike get the emergency message and can take action! You can use the free version for this. Very handy and potentially lifesaving!
– Use your common sense!
But best of all, be patient till the heat wave passes completely and then go. It’s really not worth taking risks with your and other’s lives.
Note: Magical Crete is not affiliated with, nor do we receive any reward for promoting the Life360 app. We promote it simply because it does the job!
