How do I keep my kids safe in the summer?
Summer activities come with real risks of burns, heat strokes, and drowning. However, with the right tips, your kids can stay safe while having fun on land and sea. Here are a few simple tips for family summer safety:
Heat safety:
● Cover up with a 3-inch brim hat
● Wear sunglasses to protect against UV rays
● Stay in the shade, especially between 10 am and 4 pm
● Use sunscreen
● Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming
Swimming safety:
● Never swim alone
● Only swim in designated areas
● Remember that floaties are not life vests
● Always stay within reaching distance of a young swimmer
● Always make sure a lifeguard is nearby
● Avoid jumping or diving into shallow water
● Avoid fast-moving water and watch for rip tides
How do I pick the right sunscreen?
The best way to pick sunscreen is to check for three key labels:
Broad Spectrum: Broad spectrum means that your sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens without this label won’t give you full protection.
Water Resistant: Water resistant sunscreen stays on for 40-80 minutes in the water. If your sunscreen isn’t water resistant, it’s not protecting you when swimming.
SPF 30: Make sure your sunscreen is SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 or above. Anything below SPF 30 might not fully protect you from the sun.
What do I do in extreme heat?
In extreme heat and humidity, it’s essential to stay cool and watch for dangerous symptoms. Learn more about how to handle a heat advisory from our SAC Health and Wellness Services experts here.
To find out more about SAC Health and how to become a patient, visit sachealth.org/patients.
