Beat the heat on a budget: These free cool spaces could save you heaps!

In the face of these sweltering days, it is tempting to crank up the air conditioning or indulge in a movie marathon at the local cinema just to stay cool. However, with the cost of living already putting a strain on many budgets, finding cost-effective ways to keep cool is crucial.

With parts of Queensland and Western Australia currently experiencing scorching heatwave conditions, the search for relief is not just a matter of comfort, but also of health and financial well-being.

Thankfully, there are ways to beat the heat without burning through your savings. Some towns in Western Australia have taken the initiative to create dedicated public cooling spaces, offering a much-needed reprieve without the price tag.

Bridgetown, Greenbushes, and the City of Rockingham have set up cool space activations in local libraries and community centres, where residents can escape the heat at no cost. These spaces are part of the Heat Vulnerability Project, backed by National Disaster Risk Reduction funding, and are a testament to community resilience and innovation.

The project, run by the WA Council of Social Service (WACOSS), ensures that these spaces are welcoming and equipped with activities and resources to keep visitors engaged and, most importantly, cool.

Rachel Siewert from WACOSS emphasises the importance of having these dedicated spaces, saying, ‘People might be struggling with the heat and cannot do anything about it because they do not have air conditioning or cannot afford to run their aircon.’

‘By working with libraries and existing centres, this project is making sure that everyone is welcome to use the space, and that the spaces are provided with activities and resources to keep everyone engaged and cool.’

The project also includes sending text warnings or phone calls with advice for extreme heat conditions, demonstrating a proactive approach to community care.

Visiting public swimming pools at peak heat hours is suggested to cool down.

In Queensland, where the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued heatwave warnings, the advice is to use fans or air conditioners if available.

However, for those without such luxuries, Queensland Health suggests seeking out cool public spaces like shopping centres, libraries, or swimming pools during peak heat hours. They also recommend other cooling methods, such as ‘soaking feet in cool water or wearing a wet bandana around the neck.’

In Sydney, a compassionate response to the heat has taken the form of pop-up cooling hubs in parks, providing relief for those without a cool place to relax. These mobile hubs, which include fans, cold water, and misting spray bottles, are a lab-tested initiative by the University of Sydney’s Heat and Health Research Centre.

The hubs are deployed on days when the temperature reaches severe levels of ‘35C or more,’ offering a sanctuary for some of the most vulnerable members of society.

What practices do you often do to manage the sweltering heat?

Heatwaves are not just uncomfortable. They can contribute to heat stress, which could lead to heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heatstroke.

The World Health Organization has stated that heat stress kills more people than any other natural hazard as extreme heat ‘can exacerbate underlying illnesses and increase the risk of accidents and transmission of infectious diseases.’

The elderly, pregnant women, babies, young children, and those with socio-economic challenges are particularly vulnerable.

Remember, staying cool during a heatwave does not always have to cost a fortune. With a little bit of planning and knowledge of the resources available, you can find relief from the heat while keeping your budget in check.

We would love to hear from you, our YourLifeChoices community. Have you discovered any free cool spaces in your area? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Also read: Half of Australia is facing an intense heatwave. Stay safe with these tips!

Floralyn Teodoro
Floralyn Teodoro
Floralyn covers different topics such as health, lifestyle, and home improvement, among many others. She is also passionate about travel and mindful living.

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