Action first
How to use cool water for personal cooling
Short answer
Drink cool fluids and wet exposed skin; moving air over damp skin can increase cooling.
What to do
- ✓Sip water regularly.
- ✓Spray or sponge exposed skin with cool water.
- ✓Use wrapped cold packs at the neck or armpits when helping someone with heat exhaustion.
- ✓Do not delay emergency help for possible heatstroke.
Why it works
This advice follows NHS guidance and the underlying principles of evaporation and personal cooling.
Important exceptions
Safety, health, weather and the design of your home can change what is appropriate. Stop if an action makes conditions worse.
Related guides
Sources & evidence
Reviewed 2026-08-21
- NHS: Heat exhaustion and heatstroke ↗
Supports: Heat-illness symptoms, cooling actions and when to seek emergency help.
health guidance · Accessed 2026-08-21