WATER SAFETY Pools beaches sunscreen POOLS Stay close

WATER SAFETY Pools, beaches, sunscreen

POOLS �Stay close and be alert when watching children in and around the pool � Always have supervision � Make sure lifeguard is on duty �Read pool rules � Do not run on the deck � Do not swim alone � No pushing � No diving into shallow end � Enter pool in feet first � No rough play � Never swim after drinking alcoholic beverages, eating, or taking medications �Be aware of water depths

BEACH SAFETY �All children and inexperienced swimmers should wear U. S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets �Check conditions before going in the water � Warning flags � Lifeguards present � Ask about water conditions or any other potential hazards �Swim at least 100 feet away from piers or jetties �DO NOT dive headfirst! �Avoid patches of plants �Leave animals alone

RIP CURRENTS/ TIDES �Rip tides occur in any large open water area with low spots, sandbars, or near piers. �If you are caught in a rip tide, � Stay calm and don’t fight the current � Swim parallel to the shore until you are out, then swim towards the shore � If you can’t make it to the shore, wave and call for help. �If you see someone in trouble, get a lifeguard and call 9 -1 -1.

Things to Consider �Check local recreation centers for beginner or advanced swim classes � 4 years old is an appropriate age to start learning how to swim �Teach older kids basic water safety rules �Keep away from pool drains �Temperatures between 82°F - 86°F most suitable for children �If shivering or experiencing muscle cramps, get out of he water immediately �Don’t assume that a child or adult who knows how to swim aren’t at risk for drowning

SUN, SAND, AND SAFETY � If possible, wear a shirt � Apply sunscreen � Reapply frequently, especially if getting wet � Wear a hat � 2 -3 inch brim all around to protect ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp � A baseball cap only protects the front and top, not the neck or ears � Wear UV sunglasses � Labels “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV requirements” = glasses block >99% if UV rays � “Cosmetic” = blocks 70% of UV rays � No label = don’t assume any UV ray protection � Seek shade

CHOOSING A SUNSCREEN � Sun protection factor (SPF) – the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays � SPF 30 = 1 minute of UVB rays exposure for every 30 minutes spent in the sun � SPF Scale � SPF 15 filters out ≈ 93% of UVB rays � SPF 30 filters out ≈ 97% � SPF 50 ≈ 98% � SPF 100 ≈ 99% � No sunscreen protects you 100% � Broad spectrum sunscreen – protects from both UVA and UVB rays � Ultraviolet A (UVA) age skin � Ultraviolet B (UVB) burn skin � Both contribute to skin damage and skin cancer. � Water resistant – labeled as protecting skin for 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating � Check expiration dates � Usually good for 2 -3 years � Shake bottle to remix sunscreen