How World Rowing is seeking to protect athletes from Shanghai’s heat

It is hot in Shanghai. Humidity has been routinely above 80 per cent, and temperatures rising above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

That means that World Rowing has been keeping a close eye on exactly how hot things are getting, ready to implement the heat protocol which kicks in once temperatures rise above 32 degrees – using the ‘wet-bulb globe temperature’ (WBGT) scale.

WBGT is a measure of heat which takes into account all heat factors: air temperature, humidity, sunlight and air movement (for example wind). When the WBGT temperature reaches a certain level, World Rowing guidelines say racing must stop to protect athletes from dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and at the most severe, exertional heat stroke.

The World Rowing doctor takes regular temperature readings with a special WBGT device, from about 1 metre above water level, and communicates those to the World Rowing technical delegate, and Chair of World Rowing Events Commission, Eva Szanto.

“It might change very quickly, as soon as the wind picks up or the cloud comes in,” Szanto explains. “It’s very sensitive and there are a lot of variables in it.”

Szanto explains that if the decision is taken to halt racing, World Rowing will take into account the stage of competition an event is at to ensure fairness as well as safety.

“The safety and health of the athletes comes first, of course,” adds Szanto.

The Shanghai Water Sports Centre has plenty of mitigation already in place to help athletes, with water and ice distribution points and indoor air conditioning. Athletes are wearing ice vests before racing and putting them on straight after racing; some teams have ice baths to jump into as well.

The bridge separating the warm-up lake from the course has become a popular place for crews waiting to go to the start to wait, as it provides a little shade. Teams also travelled out to Shanghai well in advance of the regatta to acclimatise.

The rules also recommend rotating officials and volunteers more often when it is hot – as although they might not be exerting themselves physically to the same extent as the athletes, long stints in hot temperatures remain risky.

Nevertheless, there comes a point where the rules must kick in and halt racing to protect all concerned.

The World Rowing heat guidelines can be accessed here.