In late June, when a scorching South Texas summer still seemed plausible, Coors Light surveyed 112 San Antonio men, ages 21-44, with the hopes of learning how they beat the heat come summertime. The survey took place in nine other cities nationwide, including Houston, Boston and Los Angeles, and polled 1,693 men total.

The beer company had its reasons for including San Antonio on its list.

“We know that San Antonio residents are used to heat,” Coors spokesperson Jennifer Volanakis said, “and figured they'd have some of the more creative ways to keep cool in the summer.”

Among the most creative ways for those surveyed included putting ice in their swimming pools and sleeping in front of an open refrigerator.

“Sleeping in front of an open refrigerator was the most surprising response,” said Volanakis, who added that summer is Coors Light's peak selling season. “You have to be pretty hot not to worry about the resulting electric bill.”

Here are some other things Coors Light officials learned about San Antonians over the course of their survey.

More than 87 percent of San Antonians wait until the temperature is hotter than 80 degrees before they begin looking for ways to cool off.

46 percent of those surveyed said they have considered moving to a cooler climate during times of intense heat, compared to the national average of 35 percent.

35 percent listed a beach in Mexico as a prime travel destination for beating the heat, making it the most popular spot of those surveyed in San Antonio.

39 percent said mowing the lawn is their least favorite hot weather activity.

62 percent said hot weather makes them impatient.

83 percent of males surveyed said they would rather have air conditioning in their homes than win a date with a supermodel, secure backstage passes to their favorite band's concert or receive an extra week's vacation at work. The national average was 75 percent.
 
CLINT HALE | 210SA