Summer is right around the corner and that means outdoor activities are almost in full swing. Schools will be out for summer break and the pools and parks will be packed.

Each summer I think back on all the fun memories I had as a kid during summer break. I remember my mom packed the cooler full of snacks, drinks, and sandwiches and off we would go to the swimming pool for the day. I remember playing outside and riding bikes until it was dark.

Thinking back on all those fun childhood memories I also remember all the steps my mom took to make sure we had a safe and fun summer. Whether we were at the pool, on vacation, or at home playing outside, my mom always made sure we put our sunscreen on and took breaks for snacks and water.

Steps to follow during your 'Summer Fun In The Sun'

Following these few steps, from the Live Healthy Live Well blog “Summer Fun in the Sun” by Lisa Barlage, can help you and your family stay safe this summer.

• Wear SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 – 50 waterproof sunscreens that you reapply every hour and a half to 2 hours. Look for mineral formulas that include the ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for better coverage that is also good for the environment. Don’t forget to check the expiration date on bottles, coverage will be much better as efficacy goes down past that date. For optimum protection, generously apply sunscreen 15 – 30 minutes before you head outside. An adult should use approximately 1 ounce of sunscreen (a shot glass full), on the first application, so your family should go through a bottle every day or 2 if you are doing a beach vacation.
• Wear a hat with a brim all the way around, preferably a 3 inch brim. This beach or bucket style hat will protect your face, ears, and neck from sun exposure.
• Consider getting UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing for swimming, tennis, golf, fishing, and even hunting. Again, look for 30+ for better coverage.
• Seek shade where possible: under umbrellas, canopies, pop-up shelters and trees, and if available, choose playgrounds with sun sails.
• Stay hydrated by drinking about 8-ounces of water for every 30 minutes of outdoor work, exercise, yard work, or even beach time on warm days. Do not drink more than 1 liter per hour (about 4 cups). As excessive water can cause hyponatremia or water intoxication, which can have serious consequences.
• Wear neon swimsuits, shirts, rash guards, and life vests for much better visibility in the water. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 – 4 in the United States, so swim lessons, adult supervision, following posted guidelines, and water barriers are very important. Check out the images from ALIVE Solutions study of swimwear colors in open water and pools (https://alive-solutions.com/f/swimsuit-color-and-pattern-testing-results), it’s very scary that many colors disappear under water.

Following these tips can help us all have a safe and fun summer while creating lasting memories.

Kaitlynn Henninge is an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or henninge.5@osu.edu 
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu
This article was previsouly published in The Daily Record.