Hot Weather Advisory
May 23, 2026
Important guidance for parents, coaches and competitors | NSR 2026
Dorney Lake, Windsor • 24 May 2026
| A message from National Schools Regatta
We are writing ahead of Sunday’s NSR 2026 day of racing on 24th May to share important hot weather guidance for all athletes, coaches and families attending Dorney Lake this weekend. Temperatures this Sunday are forecast to be significantly higher than those we have experienced in recent days, and we want to make sure every Coach and competitor arrives prepared, stays safe, and enjoys the racing.
Please read this guidance carefully, share it with your athletes, and bring it with you to the regatta. The welfare of our competitors is our absolute priority. |
| UNDERSTANDING THE HEAT RISK – What the temperatures mean |
The internationally recognised measure of heat risk in outdoor sport is the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT).
The table below shows the four risk levels:
Source: World Rowing Sports Medicine Commission Hot Weather and Heat Safety Guidelines (updated 24/07/2021)
| BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: YOUR PREPARATION STARTS AT HOME |
The most important thing an athlete can do on a hot race day begins the night before.
Please ensure your athlete arrives at Dorney already well prepared:
💧 Hydrate the day before, not just on race day. Dehydration is much harder to reverse than to prevent. Aim for at least 2 litres of water in the 24 hours before racing.
🥗 Eat well and include salt. Sodium is lost through sweat and is essential for preventing heat cramps and maintaining performance. Include salted foods in pre-race meals.
😴 Get a good night’s sleep. Rest significantly improves the body’s ability to regulate temperature in the heat.
🧴 Apply high-factor sunscreen before leaving for the venue. Re-apply regularly throughout the day, particularly after time on the water.
👕 Wear appropriate clothing. Light-coloured, loose-fitting, breathable fabrics are strongly recommended. Keep long sleeve tops wet to help with cooling.
🧢 Bring a sun hat or cap, ideally one that can be wetted with water to help regulate temperature between races.
🎒 Pack more water than you think you need. 2 litres per day plus 1 litre per hour of exercise, with an additional litre for every 5°C above 25°C.
We politely ask you to leave dogs at home.
NSR will have water points, shaded areas and a medical centre on site throughout the event.
Please follow this guidance throughout the day:
🏕️ Set up your base camp in the shade wherever possible. Dorney Lake has natural shade and the grandstand is covered— please use them between races. Do not walk around between races.
💧 Drink continuously throughout the day — not just when thirsty. Thirst is a late indicator of dehydration. Athletes should be drinking small amounts regularly.
🌊 After each race, cool down immediately with water. Do not lie down in direct sunlight after racing — this can impair circulation. Instead, use water to cool the face, neck and wrists.
World Rowing guidelines identify certain athletes who face higher risk in hot conditions. Please pay extra attention to athletes in these groups:
NSR takes its duty of care to all competitors, seriously. The following measures will be in place at Dorney Lake throughout the event:
🏥 Fully staffed medical centre on site throughout the day, equipped and trained for heat-related illness.
💧 Free water points located across the venue. Please use them. Bring refillable bottles; Dorney has plenty of water refill stations.
⛱️ Shaded rest areas available for athletes. The Lake View Room will be open for competitors only to use.
QUICK CHECK LIST
| THE NIGHT BEFORE | ON THE DAY |
| ✓ Drink at least 2 litres of water
✓ Eat well — include salt in your meals ✓ Prepare light, breathable clothing ✓ Pack sunscreen, hat and extra water ✓ Get a full night’s sleep |
✓ Drink little and often — all day
✓ Apply and re-apply sunscreen ✓ Rest in shade between races ✓ Cool down with water after racing ✓ Know the signs of heat illness ✓ Tell a coach if you feel unwell |