CAUTION: Madalyn Crockford, 14, and friend Vanessa Moorcroft, 13, learnt about the dangers of the high temperatures at Newcastle Beach last Tuesday.
NEWCASTLE Beach was filled with hundreds of residents and visitors, battling to stay cool against the week's first heat wave.
However, last Tuesday Hunter teenagers Vanessa Moorcroft, 13, and her friend Madalyn Crockford, 14, both from Ashtonfield, learnt a lesson on the perils of spending too much time in the hot sun.
Despite following the age-old rule of remembering to slip, slop, slap; the unbearable heat took its toll on the pair at Newcastle Beach.
"I just fainted and will definitely be putting on sunblock and drinking water regularly," Vanessa said.
"I would say do not spend all your time out here in the sun.
"Shade is good too."
Tips to keep cool:
■ Drink regular, small amounts of water all day, starting in the early morning.
■ Drink more water if you have to be outside or if you are undertaking heavy activity.
■ Drink alcohol, tea and coffee in moderation; all of these potentially increase dehydration.
■ Waiting until you feel unwell and then drinking large amounts is too late – large amounts of water at once can lead to vomiting – that makes the situation worse.