Spending time in the sun is great for our mental and physical health, but it’s important to protect ourselves from its harmful rays. Sunscreen, SPF swimwear, and polarized glasses are all great tools to help us stay protected during outdoor swim lessons.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an essential part of protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It works by absorbing or reflecting UV rays before they can penetrate the skin. Sunscreens come in a range of strengths, known as SPF (Sun Protection Factor) levels. It’s recommended to use sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30, which can block up to 97% of UVB rays. Sunscreen should be applied at least every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Be sure to lather up before your get in the pool!
SPF Swimwear
While sunscreen is great for protecting our skin, it will eventually wash off in the water. That’s where SPF swimwear comes in! These items are made with tightly woven fabrics that block UV rays and provide additional protection for your skin. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, SPF swimwear can provide up to 50 UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) and can help reduce your risk of skin cancer. Many options are available: swimsuits, tops, shorts, and even hats!
Polarized Glasses
Polarized glasses are another key tool for sun protection. They work by blocking out the glare reflected off of surfaces such as water, sand, and snow. This glare can be harmful to our eyes, causing irritation and even temporary blindness. Polarized glasses reduce this glare and provide clear vision in bright sunlight. They can also block up to 100% of UV rays and provide additional eye protection.
Protecting ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial for our health and well-being. Sunscreen, SPF swimwear, and polarized glasses are all useful tools to help us stay safe in the sun. By using these items, we can reduce our risk of skin damage, sunburn, and even skin cancer. So don’t forget to apply sunscreen, wear SPF swimwear, and grab a pair of polarized glasses before heading to Pelican Bay for your swim lesson!