How to stay safe in the sun this summer

The rays from the sun in New Zealand are some of the harshest in the world, especially in summer. We all love to get out and about during the warmer months, but it’s important that we keep ourselves and our families protected. We’ve put together some tips to help you do just that.

Cover up

It’s not easy to feel like wearing many layers in the summer heat, but it’s a good way to shield you from the harsh rays. Be sure to cover up with long sleeve shirts and kaftans that are loose-fitting and made from light fabrics such as cotton or linen. Opt for lighter colours to avoid absorbing further heat. You can also purchase clothing that has a high UPF rating - the higher the UPF, the more protection it will offer you.

Use sunscreen properly

Everyone knows the importance of sunscreen, but many of us often take a set-and-forget approach and end up getting sunburn anyway. Make sure you’re applying a good amount of sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply it often, especially when you are swimming or sweating a lot. The sunscreen you choose should offer broad spectrum coverage, and should be at least SPF30. For the best protection, make sure it also has both UVA and UVB protection.

Keep hydrated

It’s important to drink more than usual when you’ve been out in the sun, particularly if you’ve been playing backyard cricket or taking a dip in the ocean. Whenever you head out for a day in the sun, make sure to bring more than enough water for everyone, and store it in a chilly bin to keep it cool. Staying hydrated will help to protect you from heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, and will help you recover faster if you do get sunburned.

Stay in the shade

Whilst we all want to have fun in the sun, it’s important to have a shady spot where you can take a break from the sunshine. The hottest hours of the day during summer are between 10:00am and 4:00pm, so wherever you’re going, make sure there’s shade available - if not, you can always bring your own beach umbrella or shade tent to protect you.

When you’re out in the sun this season, be sure to remember these helpful tips to keep you safe so you can avoid spending the rest of the week inside recovering!