As temperatures continue to rise across the UK, Oscar Kilo is helping police officers and staff stay healthy, hydrated and operationally ready by funding more than 10,000 hydration supplement packs for forces taking part in the early rollout of ResetU, the sleep, fatigue and recovery app designed specifically for policing. The continued rollout of ResetU is one of the wellbeing initiatives being supported through recent government investment in police wellbeing.
Hydration is already one of the core wellbeing pillars within the ResetU app, alongside sleep, recovery, movement and nutrition. To help bring those wellbeing messages to life, Oscar Kilo is distributing more than 10,000 packs of FourFive hydration supplements to early adopter forces across England and Wales, giving officers and staff a practical way to support their health and performance during the warmer months.
The initiative comes at a time when policing faces increasing challenges associated with working in high temperatures, often while wearing body armour and carrying operational equipment for extended periods.
The importance of hydration is already being recognised by those using the app, with more than half of current ResetU users actively logging their hydration as part of their wellbeing journey.
Looking ahead
Oscar Kilo is also exploring new ways to help officers and staff cope with the effects of heat.
Working closely with the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) Uniform Lead, plans are progressing to test some of the latest cooling technologies currently used in military and elite sporting environments. These innovations are specifically designed to help people manage overheating and maintain performance in demanding conditions.
As policing continues to adapt to changing environmental conditions, these initiatives form part of a wider commitment to providing practical, evidence-based support that helps officers and staff perform at their best.
Why hydration matters
Even mild dehydration can affect both physical performance and cognitive function. This is particularly important for police officers and staff, whose roles often require rapid decision-making, concentration and resilience under pressure.
Five hydration facts every officer and staff member should know
- Even mild dehydration slows you down
Losing as little as 1–2% of your body weight through fluid loss can impact concentration, reaction times and decision-making.
- Body armour increases fluid loss
Body armour and heavy kit trap heat, making it harder for sweat to evaporate and increasing the body's need for fluids.
- Thirst is often a late warning sign
By the time you feel thirsty during a busy shift, you may already be partially dehydrated.
- Hydration needs vary from day to day
A desk-based shift on a cool day requires different fluid intake levels compared with a public order deployment in high temperatures.
- More water isn't always better
Drinking excessive amounts of water in a short period can be harmful. A steady "little and often" approach is usually more effective.
Five practical hydration tips
- Start your shift hydrated
A simple check of urine colour can be a useful indicator. Pale straw-coloured urine generally suggests good hydration.
- Drink little and often
Taking regular drinks throughout the day is more effective than consuming large amounts all at once.
- Match caffeine with water
If you're drinking coffee, energy drinks or fizzy drinks, try balancing them with an equivalent amount of water.
- Build hydration into your routine
Use natural prompts such as briefings, radio checks, vehicle returns or completing paperwork as reminders to take a drink
- Adapt to the conditions
Hot weather, body armour and physically demanding deployments all increase fluid requirements, so plan accordingly.
Busting common hydration myths
- Myth: If I'm not thirsty, I'm hydrated
Not necessarily. Thirst typically appears after dehydration has already begun.
- Myth: Coffee always dehydrates you
In moderation, tea and coffee still contribute to your overall fluid intake.
- Myth: Crystal-clear urine is the goal
Consistently clear urine may indicate you're drinking more than you need. Pale straw colour is generally a better indicator.
- Myth: Sports drinks are always better than water
For most routine duties, water and a healthy diet are sufficient. Supplement drinks are most useful during prolonged periods of heavy sweating.
- Myth: More water is always safer
Balance matters. Drinking excessive amounts too quickly can be harmful, so spread your fluid intake throughout the day.
Supporting healthier policing
The hydration supplement giveaway is one of several practical ways Oscar Kilo is supporting the rollout of ResetU and helping officers and staff take small, sustainable steps towards better wellbeing.
By combining digital tools, evidence-based guidance and practical resources, ResetU is helping policing's people understand what drives recovery, manage fatigue and build healthier habits that support both operational performance and long-term wellbeing.
Find out if your force has access to ResetU and discover how small changes to sleep, hydration and recovery can make a big difference to your wellbeing by visiting our ResetU page.