SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - CoastTV Meteorologists are tracking the first heat wave of the official summer season. Our meteorologists say we are near record setting heat.
Keeping an eye on beachgoers from the Rehoboth Beach Patrol Station is Ella Murray, a lifeguard and EMT.
Murray says properly hydrating is key to staying safe in the summer heat.
"I'd say the biggest misconception is people come out here and they're drinking sodas. They're drinking sugary drinks like Gatorade, and they think that's hydrating them and it's actually doing the opposite. It's very dehydrating," Murray explained.
Dr. Nick Perchiniak with Beebe Healthcare shared how you can spot the difference in heat illnesses.
With heat exhaustion, "typically you get dizziness, headaches. Sometimes there can be nausea and vomiting," said Perchiniak.
With a heat stroke, "a true medical emergency is patients will often have mental status change. That could be confusion, could be seizure activity or unfortunately they can become unresponsive and heat stroke is a true medical emergency," he continued.
Dr. Perchiniak urges people to call 911 if they notice that someone is having a heat stroke or they are unresponsive.
Murray says don't forget your sunscreen.
"Just from the very beginning of the day, make sure you're hydrated and have that sunscreen on."
Summer sun is the reason people love the coast, but no one wants that beach trip to end in the E.R.