Bay area football teams stay hydrated

During a high school football practice on Tuesday in Apopka, a 15-year-old player began acting strangely, then he eventually collapsed and died.

To ensure that this doesn't happen in the Bay area, both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have certified athletic trainers at every practice and doctors at every game. Both the trainers and doctors are CPR certified and have resuscitation equipment handy.

Athletic trainer Tim Kocher used to work for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but now is in charge of keeping Wharton High School football players cool and hydrated.

"We've got anywhere between 50 to 100 gallons of water out here on the field at all times," he said. "We've got two hydration systems, we could go up to three if we need to and cover all teams. We've got water bottles behind every group that is participating in practice with us."

Heat is a serious health hazard for young athletes. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention, 9200 teams get sick each year from heat, 80 percent of which were football players.

Deaths from heat are rare. There have been about three heat-related deaths nationally per year.

Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have also teamed up with University of South Florida interns to help players stay hydrated.