Fun in the Sun Summer Safety Tips

Posted 8/07/07

Late summer is the hottest time of the year.

Cape Regional Medical Center has some tips for sailing through the dog days of summer.

Cover up from the Sun

Yes, you want to wear shorts and a skinny tank top this time of year. But the best line of defense against the sun's burning rays is covering up.

Start with a hat - one with at least a three inch brim or a baseball style bill. Add a par of sunglasses that block almost all of the sun's UV rays. And choose loose, cotton clothing with a tight weave.

If you're on the beach, make sure you sit under an umbrella. Otherwise, stay in the shade whenever possible. Remember the sun's rays are most intense between the hours of 10AM and 4PM.

Sunscreen Rules

Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15 and make sure to use enough - about an ounce per person. Slather it on every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

If you're near water or sand slather on even more sunscreen because the sun's rays will be reflected more strongly. Think of a mirror.

Kids and Water

It goes without saying but never, ever leave children alone in or near a swimming pool or ocean current, even for a moment.

Cape Regional says whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, there should be touch supervision - an adult within arm's length of the little ones.

Also be wary of inflatable swimming aids. They don't substitute for life vests and can give kids a false sense of security.

Bugs

If you want the bugs to stay away, don't use any scented soaps or perfumes. Ditto with hair spray. Those bees and mosquitoes just love the scent.

Also don't try killing two birds with one stone by using a combo sunscreen and insect repellent. You need to reapply your sunscreen every two hours but you should not reapply the insect repellant.

Bikes

Did you know that your bike helmet should have a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard? Now you do.

And when you're wearing a helmet, make sure it's level on your head, not tipped forwards or backwards. Once the helmet's on, it should not be able to budge an inch. Make sure the strap is tight enough.

Have a Safe Summer!