What to remove from a guest to help them cool down when overheated

Overheating by the pool is more common than you might think, and the first instinct you want to have is simple: help the person cool down fast. In most heat-related moments, the clothes a person wears can make a big difference. So what should you remove to help with overheating? The answer is straightforward: heavy or restrictive clothing.

Let me explain why clothes matter so much

Our bodies shed heat in several ways—through radiation, convection, evaporation (that’s sweating turning into a breeze of cool air on the skin), and, to a lesser extent, conduction. When you’re wearing thick, tight, or layered garments, you trap heat close to the skin and block air from moving freely. That makes it harder for sweat to evaporate and for heat to escape. The result? Overheating can creep up faster than you’d expect, especially on hot, sunny days or during intense activity.

So, when you’re checking on a guest who looks flushed, dizzy, or appears winded, the quickest, most direct move is to lighten the load—literally. Removing heavy or restrictive clothing helps because it immediately improves air flow and allows sweating to do its job. Light, loose-fitting garments give the body room to breathe, which speeds up cooling.

What to pull off first

• Heavy or restrictive clothing is the priority. Think thick jackets, hoodies, denim, or any multi-layered outfit. If the person is wearing a long-sleeve top or jeans in full sun, that’s a sign to peel off some fabric.

• Belts and gear that cinch or squeeze can also be part of the problem. If you can loosen or remove belts without causing discomfort or risk, do it.

• Shoes aren’t always the enemy, but if they’re tight or heavy and the person can tolerate it, removing or loosening them can help, especially if swelling is a concern.

The goal is to increase air contact with the skin and speed evaporation, not to expose the guest longer than needed. If you’re discreet and respectful, you can do this smoothly without making anyone feel uncomfortable or exposed.

Other items that may help, but aren’t as directly impactful

• Jewelry and accessories: These can trap heat in some spots and add a touch of weight. If privacy and comfort allow, removing bulky rings, necklaces, or chunky bracelets can help, especially if the jewelry feels hot or tight against the skin.

• Cool-weather clothing: Sometimes people wear windbreakers or synthetic layers in outdoor spaces. These can trap heat just the same, so assess and remove them if feasible.

• Wet clothing: Wet fabrics can cool the body through evaporation, which helps, but they can also make someone feel chilled if the air is cool or if cooling is too aggressive too fast. If overheating is the primary concern, you can wring out excess water and remove the wet layer to promote even cooling, or replace it with dry, loose apparel and a towel to pat the skin dry.

The real value comes from a calm, quick sequence

When you’re dealing with overheating, speed matters, but so does a calm, methodical approach. Here’s a practical flow you can follow on deck:

1. Quick assessment

• Look for signs: heavy breathing, dizziness, confusion, red or pale skin, headache, nausea.

• If you suspect heat illness, act fast. Move the person to a shaded area or somewhere breezy.

2. Remove or loosen restrictive clothing

• Do it with sensitivity. You’re helping, not stripping—keep things respectful and private.

• Prioritize removing heavy layers first. If a guest is wearing a winter coat in 90-degree heat, strip it off.

3. Promote cooling

• Fan airflow over the skin. A portable misting fan can be great in a pinch.

• Apply a cool, damp cloth to the neck, wrists, and forehead. The wrists and neck are key pulse points where cooling helps.

• If the guest is conscious and able to drink, offer water or an electrolyte drink. Small sips are better than gulping down large amounts.

4. Monitor and reassess

• Track how they respond over the next few minutes. Are symptoms improving, staying the same, or getting worse?

• If there are any warning signs—confusion, fainting, vomiting, chest pain, or inability to keep fluids down—call for additional medical support right away.

5. Decide on next steps

• For mild overheating, a few minutes of rest in shade with ongoing monitoring may be enough.

• For more serious signs, don’t hesitate to involve medical professionals. Heat illness can escalate quickly, so err on the side of caution.

A few practical notes you’ll appreciate in the field

• Don’t overdo it with the water. Hydration is key, but you don’t want a person to gulp down a big drink too fast and feel sick. Offer small sips and wait for feedback.

• Respect privacy and dignity. You’ll be removing layers, so explain what you’re doing and why. A quick, “I’m going to help you cool down by removing this layer; is that okay?” goes a long way.

• Consider environmental factors. If shade is scarce, set up a pop-up tent or bring the guest to a shaded area near a breeze. A portable fan or misting device can be a real difference-maker in hot, sunny conditions.

• Document what happened. Note the time, signs observed, clothing removed, actions taken, and how the guest responded. This isn’t about blame—it's about learning and improving safety for the next time.

A little context that helps you stay sharp

Lifeguards aren’t just there to watch people swim. We’re first responders to a whole spectrum of on-deck issues, including heat distress. The quick, correct move—reducing heat-trapping clothing—often sets the stage for a safe recovery. It’s a practical, non-invasive step that buys time while you monitor cues and apply cooling measures. And yes, while it’s simple, it’s powerful when done with care and confidence.

A quick mental checklist you can carry

• Is the guest wearing any heavy or tight layers? If yes, remove them.

• Are there signs of heat distress? If yes, act quickly.

• Is there shade or a breezy spot available? Move the guest there.

• Is water or an electrolyte drink available? Offer a small amount.

• Are deteriorating symptoms present? Call for help if needed.

Real-world touches to make the guidance feel natural

You’ll notice that, on a crowded pool deck, a few seconds of decisive action can prevent a lot of discomfort—and even a medical emergency. The scene might involve a parent juggling a towel, a lifeguard stepping in with calm authority, and a guest who’s grateful for the help, not embarrassed by the attention. That mix of competence and empathy is what keeps people feeling safe and cared for, even when the situation is a little tense.

Where this matters after the pool closes

Overheating isn’t a one-time thing; it loops in with sun exposure, physical exertion, and hydration habits. So, when you’re debriefing after a shift, you can use this moment as a reminder to check the basics: hydration stations, shade availability, and a quick refresher on recognizing signs of heat-related issues. Small improvements here ripple out to safer days for everyone who uses the facility.

A nod to the bigger picture

Clothes are often overlooked in the heat, but they’re a big part of how our bodies stay comfortable. The right exposure can tip the balance from overheating to cooling, and that’s exactly the edge lifeguards want. By keeping heavy or restrictive clothing in mind as the key immediate step, you’re empowering yourself to act decisively, protect health, and keep the vibe on the deck calm and confident.

The bottom line

In a overheating moment, the simplest, most direct action is to remove heavy or restrictive clothing. It’s the move that directly improves air flow and accelerates evaporation—the body’s best cooling trick. Jewelry, cool-weather layers, and even wet clothing can play a supporting role, but they don’t replace the impact of shedding that heavy layer first.

If you ever find yourself on deck facing a guest in distress from heat, remember this: quick assessment, remove the heavy clothing, promote cooling, stay vigilant, and call for help if anything looks off. That combination of practical action and respectful care is what keeps swimmers safe and helps everyone get back to their day with a little more confidence and a lot less worry.