The Secret to Safe Fun in the Sun
Hooray! Summer is here - bringing with it long, hot and sunny days. Whether you’re heading to the beach, lounging in your backyard, or picnicking at a local park here are our top tips to maximize your fun and safety outside.
Plan ahead and prepare with these 5 tips.
1. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. You’ve heard it before, but we can’t say it enough! Put on your sunscreen before heading out. Bring plenty to get you through the day, and reapply often. Don’t forget about these commonly overlooked spots - hands, feet and ears! We’d recommend 30 SPF for adults and children.
PRO TIP: Do you know what’s in your sunscreen? Consider a mineral based sunscreen over chemical based sunscreens. They often work faster to protect you and are safer for your skin and the ocean!
2. Wear the right clothes. Cover up what you can with long sleeve shirts and pants. If that makes you feel like melting just thinking about it, opt for a short sleeve shirt over a tank top, consider a sarong or some sort of light cover up for added protection. We’re also big fans of wide brim hats for top of head, face and neck protection.
3. Be mindful of peak sun hours. The hours with the strongest sunlight and peak UV rays is typically between 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Early morning or late afternoon adventures are ideal for limiting sun exposure. If that doesn’t fit into your itinerary, try limiting strenuous activity and sun exposure during those times.
4. Find cool shade/s. We’re talking sun cover and sunglasses. Reduce your risk of cataracts and burned corneas (ouch!) by wearing sunglasses. Also, you look silly when you’re constantly squinting! If shade is going to be scarce where you’re going, bring your own. From umbrellas, to a canopy tent, to a wide brim hat - you’ve got options.
5. Drink lots of water. While it’s not always the most exciting drink, water is pure magic for our bodies. Stay feeling great and avoid headaches by hydrating continuously throughout the day. Bring more water with you thank you think you need and drink BEFORE you’re thirsty.
Looking for a kid-friendly way to encourage safe fun in the sun?
“Oh, just use ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’,” is what my partner, Sebastian, said to me when I asked him what he thought should be included in our safe sun tips.
What’s that, you ask? I asked that too. Apparently it is an incredibly successful health campaign from 1981 in Australia, where they’ve got some serious sun to deal with. It’s a catchy little jingle that encourages you to “slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat,” for sun-safety. Great for kids (and us adults too)! Check it out!
