Enjoying the summer sun safely

Andrea Klassen

Andrea Klassen, Alberta Health Services 

As the much anticipated summer weather approaches, we need to remember to enjoy the summer sun and heat safely. Although enjoying the summer sun can be relaxing and enjoyable, it can also be dangerous to your health if you’re not prepared.

Here are a few tips to remember this summer to help you avoid heat stress:

Wear sunscreen: Apply a sunscreen that has at least a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 30. The higher the SPF number, the greater protection it provides. Apply it at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapply frequently. Be sure to select a sunscreen that screens out both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. In as little as 20 minutes, unprotected skin can start turning red. Even on cloudy, cool or windy days, it’s important to wear enough sunscreen to prevent burns. A suntan will only protect you from UV ray protection at a rate of SPF four and provides limited protection if you plan on spending an extended amount of time in the sun. It’s very important to apply sunscreen even if you have a suntan.

Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages to stay hydrated. When your body loses more bodily fluids through sweating or urinating than what is being consumed, you can become quite dehydrated. If you’re doing physical activities in the warmer weather, be sure to consume enough water. Small amounts of water loss can cause dehydration; even a two-per-cent loss of fluids in a child’s body weight can cause dehydration.

Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses: Be sure to choose sunglasses that have a UVA/UVB Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified seal. This will provide the proper protection for your eyes. If possible, wear wide-brimmed hats to protect your head and neck from sun exposure.

Wear proper clothing: If you know you will be spending a lot of time in the sun, make sure you shield your body. Wear loose-fitting and light fabric clothes that allow for airflow. This will help sweat cool your body and will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Seek Shade: The UV rays are most powerful between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. so make sure you’re able to seek shade under trees or umbrellas. If the UV index is above six, avoid the sun between these times.

Remember to follow these tips and take proper safety precautions for yourself and your loved ones, and enjoy the summer sun safely!


Andrea Klassen is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services Population Health Promotion Program. She can be contacted at andrea.klassen@albertahealthservices.ca