Health & Safety

Dehydration

Long distance events have the potential to produce dehydration. This is often compounded by the effects of warm weather. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided for 48 hours prior to race day. Competitors are urged to dring plenty of fluids prior to their participation and after their leg as well. Fluid losses are inevitable so make good use of the water stations at checkpoints and along the route. Please confirm water stations and first aid station placement at your checkpoint before you begin your leg. Competitors are encouraged to carry their own water.

Please Drink From Reusable Bottles.

• The production of 1 kg. of polyethylene terephthalate, the type of plastic used in water & pop bottles, requires 17.5 kg of water and results in emissions of over half a dozen significant air pollutants.
• 88 % of water bottles are never recycled
• 65 000 tonnes of PET beverage containers went to landfills in 2002
• Significant levels of antimony, a toxic chemical, have been shown to leach into water from its plastic container over the course of 6 months.
• Filtered tap water accounts for more than one-quarter of bottled water consumed by Canadians. Both Coca-Cola and Pepsi use filtered municipal water (from Mississauga, Calgary, Brampton, and Vancouver) for their Dasani and Aquafina brands. Markup is 3000 times cost ($0.10 average cost per litre of municipal water, sold for $2.50 per litre bottled).
• The water flowing from our tap here in Rustico is purified, tested, and very tasty. Feel free to fill your water bottle from our tap.

Thermal Injury

Heat stroke and exhaustion are serious medical conditions. Common sense with regard to sufficient fluids and appropriate dress will go a long way toward avoiding such problems. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, headache and nausea. Should you experience any of these symptoms you should discontinue and see k attention. Advise others to do the same if sch symptoms are observed or brought to your attention.

Weather conditions in May are unpredictable and cold rivers a certainty. Therefore, hypothermia is possible in an event such as this. Please ensure you have appropriate clothing for any weather conditions. Also consider the use of sunblock. If possible, train at the same time of day you expect to compete.

Medical Conditions

You should consult a physician before taking part if you have any condition that might put you at risk. Examples include asthma, heart disease, diabetes and epilepsy. Replacement competitors should be considered for anyone who is ill on race day. If you have any serious allergies (ie. bee stings) please inform Red Island Relay personnel prior to the race and be sure to bring along your allergy kit if you have one. Medic Alert bracelets should always be worn. Seek attention if at any point you experience
difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, nausea, weakness or confusion.

Injury Prevention

We have tried to ensure the safety of a competitor’s equipment with our mandatory inspections. Please double check all your equipment prior to the race. If you happen to be ill prior to or during the race, reassess your participation.

Hydrate! Competitors are urged to drink plenty of fluids prior to and after participation.

Health and Safety Services

First Aid Posts located at designated areas on the course.  The leg maps will specify location of first aid and water stations.  (Maps are being updated regularly with additional information)