Rule 1—Avoid sun exposure when possible. 

This could mean physically shading yourself with umbrellas, hats, UV blocking clothing, and sunscreens.  Combine two or more of these methods to increase protection.  Sanders stresses that UV/IR effects are cumulative over our lifetimes. Think about a cup such that once it is full, it will run over.  This is how sun damage works and why we see the effects of early damage later in life.  Those sunburns you had as a child are still with you, that damage is under the surface even today.

Rule 2—Know your sunscreen. 

Not all sunscreens are created equal.  There are two broad categories: chemical barriers and physical barriers.  This is the single most important thing to know about your sunscreen.  Chemical barrier sunscreens react with UV light and get “used up” in the process.  The greasy or sticky feel may still be on the skin but it is not effectively blocking UV after about 90 minutes, so it must be reapplied to be effective.  Reapply chemical barrier sunscreens every 60-90 minutes for the best protection while in the sun.  Physical barrier sunscreens are different in that they do not react with UV but reflect it like a micro-mirror so that it never gets to the skin.  Physical barriers do not have to be reapplied unless they come off with sweating or swimming for an extended period of time.  The latest improvement in sunscreens is the ability to block infrared light as well.  IR is the part of sunlight that gives it heat, but these rays can be aging as well.

Summer water safety is of utmost importance due to the high incidence of drowning accidents that occur during this season. According to injury statistics and incidence rates, an average of about 3,600 injuries occurs each year due to near-drowning incidents, with children being particularly vulnerable. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children aged 1-4 and the second-leading cause of injury or death for children ages 5 to 9 years. What is depicted in movies is not exactly how drowning occurs in real life. After bobbing just at the surface struggling for air, a child will sink to the bottom.  The color of a child’s swimsuit can improve the visibility of a drowning victim.  Certain patterns, designs, and colors can look like a pile of leaves resting at the bottom of a pool and will disappear in a lake or pond.  Alive Solutions, a company specializing in aquatic safety, training, and risk assessment, put 14 swimsuits in a wide variety of colors to the test to find out which colors were most visible in the water. To see their results, visit alive-solutions.com

Avoid dangerous swimming locations and risky behaviors, such as drinking alcohol while around water and diving into shallow water or unfamiliar swimming holes. Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning, but children who have had swimming lessons still need close and constant supervision. Installing barriers, such as fencing around swimming pools, can also help prevent drowning accidents.

It is essential to use caution and recognize how quickly drownings can occur. Some important water safety tips include wearing a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating, never swimming alone and keeping swimming pools or hot tubs clean and properly

Life jackets should be worn by anyone who is not a strong swimmer or is participating in water activities such as boating or tubing. Remember, though, that a life jacket is a tool.  It is not a replacement for learning how to swim.  It is important to choose a life jacket that is properly fitted and US Coast Guard-approved. Before using a life jacket, check for any tears or loose straps. It is also important to note that air-filled swimming aids, such as water wings, are not safe substitutes for life jackets. By wearing a life jacket or flotation device, individuals can increase their chances of staying afloat and reduce the risk of drowning.

Supervision and monitoring by an adult are crucial for water safety, especially when children are involved. When you are with your child at a pool or lake, now is the time to become a diligent “helicopter mom.” Children should never be left unsupervised near water, even if they know how to swim. Adults should always be present and actively monitoring children when they are in or around water. It is important to appoint a designated watcher to monitor children during social gatherings near water. Keep small children within arm’s reach.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends “touch supervision.”  It is recommended to learn CPR and other lifesaving techniques in case of an emergency. By being vigilant and taking responsibility for the safety of children and others, individuals can prevent accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in and around water.