How to Stay Safe in the Sun This Summer
With summer still in full effect, it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones from the heat and still enjoy time by the pool. Take a look at our top tips below on how to protect you and your family around the pool this summer.
Apply Sunscreen Beforehand
Sunscreen is one of the best defenses against harsh UV rays. But one of the most common mistakes people make is not allowing enough time between applying sunscreen and going out in the sun or jumping in the pool. Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes prior to going outside or in the water and then reapplied every two hours.
Use Protective Clothing
There are plenty of clothing options that will help protect you when you’re both in and out of the water.
Long sleeve shirts with collars. Some clothing even has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), which provides a certain amount of UV protection.
Wide-brimmed hats that shade your face, nose, neck and ears.
Don’t forget sunglasses! Is important to protect your eyes with wrap-around sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV light.
Wear a rash guard while swimming.
Keep It Shady
Is your pool area covered? Shade sails and large beach umbrellas are a great way to provide sun protection when you’re in or around your pool. Shade can help reduce UV radiation, however it can still reach you via reflection, so it’s important to use a combination of these sun safety tips to ensure you are protecting yourself as much as possible.
Avoid the Sun in the Middle of the Day
UV rays are usually the most dangerous between 10am-4pm. Try to keep out of the sun for prolonged periods during this time to avoid sunburn and dehydration.
Stay Hydrated
As the heat rises this summer, it is important to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration can occur very quickly in the warmer months as higher temperatures and more activity increase your body’s water loss. Some signs of dehydration include dry mouth, loss of appetite, thirst, feeling faint or nauseous. If you feel thirsty, that usually means you’re already dehydrated.
Some great ways to stay hydrated include:
Keep a reusable drink bottle with you. It will be a constant reminder to take a sip during the day.
Infuse water with flavor. Fruits such as lime, lemon, berries and oranges are a great way to add a little flavor to your water without adding artificial sweeteners and may help you drink more.
Mix up your drinks. If you get sick of plain water, mix it up with herbal teas or coconut milk. But make sure you are constantly drinking water throughout the day.
By following a combination of these summer heat safety tips, you can help protect you and your family around the pool this summer.
Keep Your Pool Healthy Too
Don’t forget that your pool needs extra TLC in the summer too! As the heat increases, it becomes an environment for algae, bacteria and other contaminants to grow. Since your pool is used more frequently, you also need more testing and chemicals to keep the water safe and healthy.
Maintaining a consistent cleaning regime and using the right chemicals is the number one way to keep your pool water fresh and clean. Visit your local Poolwerx for a free water test and advice on what your pool needs to stay healthy and perfectly swimmable all summer long.
