MIAMI – South Florida high schools are taking steps to limit heat stress for their student-athletes this time of year.

There is already a law that guarantees exactly that for everyone. Florida High School Athletic Association Football programs.

This law, called Zachary Martin-Aktcame into force in 2021 after Martin died of heat stroke during football practice.

Matthew Collazo, one of the athletic trainers at True North Classical Academy, said he was glad there were clear guidelines from the top.

Collazo said True North Classical Academy purchased a cooler a few years ago that holds 500 pounds of ice, and some days every ice cube is used up.

He sets up these ice baths in case someone shows signs of heat exhaustion. This can quickly lower the body temperature.

“If a child becomes lethargic or has blurred vision, these are just signs of heat illness. This is a measure we take to prevent it,” Collazo said.

“Now we have solid numbers to track. We can look and say we can’t be on the field today if it’s over 92 degrees.”

The program can’t take any chances, as data from the Florida Policy Institute shows that the Sunshine State has the highest number of heat-related illnesses and energy room visits in the nation.

On the field, according to head coach Travis Makauskas, training sessions should not last longer than an hour and 45 minutes to limit heat stress.

“I feel that if we are on the field longer, it shows poor organization on the part of the coaches,” Makauskas said.

Collazo says they take five water breaks during each training session and there is always enough for the whole team.

“Our motto is: If you need something, we have it, and if you don’t need it, we still have it. That’s why we try to keep the guys hydrated as much as possible.”

State law also requires that all student athletes who participate in conditioning training outside of the school year must first pass a physical examination.

Trainers must attend annual training to recognize signs of heat exhaustion.