Cool Spaces in Hillingdon
Cool Spaces in Hillingdon
Platinum Jubilee Leisure Centre and Hillingdon Sport and Leisure Centre are designated as a 'Cool Spaces' to help Hillingdon residents beat the heat and support community health and wellbeing.
Both centre’s are run by charitable social enterprise GLL/ ‘Better’ and provide a 'Cool Space' for anyone seeking respite from the heat.
The initiative supports those who may be vulnerable this summer, which in many areas in the UK is turning into a record season for high temperatures and repeated heatwaves.
As well as offering a welcoming, cool environment and tap water, ‘Cool Spaces’ can offer an introduction to physical activity if so wanted - swimming and refreshments from the cafe can be obtained (normal admission charges apply). Anyone can use the service - including non-members.
For more information on Cool Spaces, see here: https://www.better.org.uk/healthy-communities/cool-spaces
People seeking a break from the heat at Platinum Jubilee will be able to find:
- Free drinking water - bring your own bottle
- Respite from sunshine
- Seating areas
- Naturally cool indoor spaces
- Public Wi-Fi
- Phone/device charging facilities (where available) - bring your own charger
- Café or refreshments available to purchase
- Toilets and baby change facilities
When temperatures spike, it's tempting to write off exercise until the weather cools down. But you don't need to put your routine or wellbeing on hold.
Whether you're swimming, working out or trying to stay active, a few small changes to how, when and where you exercise can help you move safely, stay cool and feel your best.
Read our tips on how to keep well during a heatwave, plus few reasons why your local leisure centre is one of the coolest places to be.
1. Avoid going out in the sun when the temperature is at it hottest
2. Dress for the weather - wear light loose fitting closes in pale colours
3. Dive in and cool off – try Hillingdon Lido for a safe space for a dip to cool off or any of the inside pools that Hillingdon has to offer.
4, It’s OK to exercise just stay out of the sunshine – try a class in our air-conditioned studio instead or at a cooler part of the day.
5. Hydrate before you are thirsty - drink water throughout the day.
6. Avoid drinking alcohol - Alcohol causes dehydration which can hit especially hard if your body is already struggling to stay cool in the summer. Drinking alcohol can also make it harder to get a good night's sleep, something that's already difficult in warmer temperatures.
7. Know the signs of Heat Exhaustion - One symptom is paler skin than normal - depending on your skin tone this could mean your skin looks ashen, grey, or a more yellowish hue. It might be easier to notice this change in colour on the palms of hands, nails, or eyes, gums, and tongue.
8. Heatstroke occurs when the body's temperature becomes dangerously high and the body is no longer able to cool itself. Symptoms include confusion, headache, nausea, and muscle cramps.
To book swimming at Platinum Jubilee Leisure centre visit https://bookings.better.org.uk/location/platinum-jubilee-leisure-centre/swimming
To book a swim at the Hillingdon Lido visit https://bookings.better.org.uk/location/hillingdon-sports-leisure-centre/swimming