Health officials remind RBC Heritage fans to stay hydrated, use sunscreen

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - Thousands of fans visited the RBC Heritage Classic Wednesday on Hilton Head Island to watch their favorite pro golfers.

With sunny conditions at Harbour Town Golf Links, health officials are reminding fans to stay hydrated and protect themselves from the sun.

For a lot of fans, putting on sunscreen is second nature because they have been burned before and don’t want to experience that again, especially with four days of the tournament remaining.

For others, having a bottle of water while walking the course is crucial when trying to keep up with some of the world’s best golfers.

Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue helped a woman who appeared to have been dehydrated this afternoon. Crews were able to get to her and take her to somewhere where she could get hydrated and cool off.

To try and limit the number of medical emergencies this week, Novant Health has set up an emergency response trailer just outside of the course. It is a resource for fans and golfers.

In the trailer, they have medicine for headaches and band aids for cuts but also have bug spray and sunscreen.

“In an event like the Heritage it is easy to get caught up in the excitement, the magic of everything being here. So, you kind of forget about the things that you think are common sense. We just remind people to drink plenty of fluids, water and try to limit the alcohol because it does dehydrate you some more. Things with the sun make sure to stay in the shade, wear hats, and put on sunscreen to protect yourself,” said Dr. Mason Mendenhall, emergency medicine physician at Hilton Head Hospital-Novant.