TAMPA, Fla. — After a 14-year-old incoming freshman collapsed during football conditioning drills and later died, Tampa Bay area school districts are explaining their own procedures for keeping student athletes safe.
Hezekiah B. Walters collapsed around 4 p.m. Tuesday at Middleton High School. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His cause of death has not been determined.
Hillsborough County Public Schools have stopped all athletic activities and conditioning drills out of an abundance of caution. School officials want all coaches to review safety procedures and complete reviews of student records before those activities resume.
Other area school districts are also reviewing and reminding the public of their policies in light of the tragedy. Many of them require activities to be supervised by coaches who are CPR certified and trained on how to monitor for signs of dehydration or other issues.
Schools are equipped with emergency devices and often stick to morning and evening training times to avoid the hottest hours of the day.
A Hillsborough County Public Schools spokesperson said the district was asking principals and coaches to send this link of frequently asked questions to the families of athletes.
A Sarasota County Schools spokesperson said its students were supervised at all times by CPR-certified coaches, and its workouts are organized by head coaches with input from the athletic director or trainer.
"For students using indoor weight facilities or outdoor exercise/fitness equipment, there are cold water tubs and ice available at every high school as well as an athletic trainer that is available to assist during workouts," the Sarasota spokesperson said. "All student-athletes that participate in workouts over the summer must have a completed athletic packet, physical and insurance that is on file at their school."
A Polk County Public Schools official said its coaches have concussion, heat illness and sudden cardiac awareness training. And, the district makes sure ice, water and an automated external defibrillator are available during summer conditioning.
"All student-athletes must be cleared by a physician and parents give parental consent prior to participating," the Polk official said. "Coaches are notified on any prior medical concerns listed by the family on the required physical form."
The Manatee County School District said certified athletic trainers are always present for summer conditioning, and students have access to ice immersion tubs. The district said it was sending out reminders this week to reinforce the importance of safety at those conditioning sessions.
A Pinellas County Schools spokesperson said its staff members provide frequent breaks for athletes, and water is always available. Coaches and trainers are instructed to monitor players for signs of dehydration. The school district has instructed its employees to discuss safety and hydration procedures with athletes daily.
Pinellas County requires its athletic staff members to have emergency plans that include instructions for the proper use of cooling tubs and tarps.
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