If you’re gearing up for the Carolina Country Music Fest, get ready for an unforgettable time. Of course, it’s important to prepare so you can feel great from the first note to the final set.

Here are some tips from Tidelands Health, the official health care provider of the festival, to help you maximize your enjoyment. Tidelands Health will be on site with local first responders to provide medical care.

Myrtle Beach in June can get quite hot, so make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the festival, especially if you consume alcohol. 

Most adults need about three liters of water every day under normal circumstances. But when you’re out in the sun all day, you’ll need to drink more water than usual. Listen to your body’s natural signs of thirst and respond accordingly.  

Whether it’s sunny or overcast, be sure to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 SPF or higher that protects against both types of rays 30 minutes before heading outside. Reapply sunscreen at minimum every two hours.

Don’t let blisters and sore feet get in the way of a good time. While sandals or flip flops may seem like the best option for a day outside in Myrtle Beach, you’ll probably be walking and standing a lot. As such, choose a closed-toe shoe that offers ample support and will help protect your feet from spilled drinks and from being stepped on in the crowd. Consider socks to reduce rubbing and blistering, and avoid wearing new shoes that haven’t been properly broken in.

Take a hat, visor or sunglasses to help protect your eyes from the sun’s glare. Squinting all day can lead to eye strain or headaches that can dull the fun. Make sure your sunglasses offer full protection from both UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sun-related eye damage.

Don’t forget to take breaks throughout the festival. With the excitement of seeing your favorite musicians perform, it can be tempting to ignore signs from your body to rest or cool down, but it’s important to pay attention to signs of dehydration and overheating. Early warning signs of heat exhaustion include nausea, lightheadedness, fatigue, muscle cramping and dizziness. 

If you feel faint, lightheaded or feel like you’re getting too hot, seek medical attention. 

If you’re planning to get close to the stage, consider bringing hearing protection. Exposure to loud music can cause temporary tinnitus (ringing in your ears), and extended exposure to music louder than 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss.

Protect yourself from mosquitoes, flies and other biting insects with insect repellent. Avoid the use of perfumes or scented lotions. 

There’s a popular saying in South Carolina, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes.”

While pop-up showers and storms are common during the summer months, the festival takes place rain or shine. Take a poncho to shield yourself from passing showers.

When choosing what to wear to the festival, focus on lightweight clothing made of cotton, linen, rayon or chambray. Because these materials are breathable, they are good choices for hot weather. Clothing made of silk, polyester or nylon retain heat, so they’re not ideal for hot days.