When the sun finally decides to shine in the summer, we all want to make the most of it. After all when else do you get a chance for a spot of sunbathing or al-fresco dining? But it’s important to remember to be careful in the sun. Especially if you have kids.
With our handy hints and tips, you can head outdoors feeling safe and relaxed, knowing you’ve got the basics covered – including protecting against sunburn, playing it safe by the BBQ, safe swimming and staying cool on the road.
Protect your skin
In this country we’re not used to constant exposure to strong sunlight. So even with all the warnings out there, it’s easy to forget to take proper precautions when faced with a bit of Mediterranean-style sunshine. The good news is it’s really easy to look after your skin and protect it from getting damaged.
Try to avoid spending too much time in the sun between 10am and 3pm – that’s when the sun’s rays are most intense and could be most harmful.
Choose a sun screen that protects you from both UVA & UVB radiation. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause premature ageing and skin cancer. UVB rays burn the surface of the skin causing it to first tan, then burn.
Look out for the right sun protection factor (SPF). To be sure you’re using the right level of protection, check our handy reference guide to choosing the right SPF. You should apply your sunscreen about 30 minutes before going out in the sun. When the body is cooler and dry, the sunscreen will bind better to your skin. And if you're planning a summer swim, remember that waterproof sunscreens last for about an hour and a half, whilst water-resistant sunscreens will provide protection for about 30 - 40 minutes.
Protect your lips, eyes and hair too. Apply a lipstick, gloss, or balm that contains sunscreen. And make sure you have a pair of sunglasses that blocks block 99-100% of UVA and UVB. They don't have to be expensive to provide the right protection – but check the label for the CE mark to make sure they conform to the European Community Standard, and look out for the British Standard BSEN1836 mark for high levels of UV protection. There are also numerous sun protecting sprays available that can help stop your hair from becoming dry and dehydrated.
Avoid BBQ accidents
When the sun comes out, so do the bangers, burgers and BBQ. The safest option is to cook food indoors using your oven. You can then put the cooked food outside on the barbecue for that traditional BBQ flavour. But if you do decide to cook meat on the barbecue, there are a few golden rules to follow.
When you’re cooking any kind of meat on a barbecue, such as poultry (chicken or turkey), pork, steak, burgers or sausages, make sure:
• The coals are glowing red with a powdery grey surface before you start cooking, as this means that they're hot enough.
• Frozen meat is properly thawed before you cook it.
• You turn the meat regularly and move it around the barbecue to cook it evenly.
Remember that meat is safe to eat only when it is piping hot in the centre, there is no pink meat visible and the juices run clear. Also, when cooking the food, use long-handled tools and barbecue mitts to protect you from the heat. Trimming the excess fat from meats will reduce the chance of a flare-up. If there is a fire, quickly put the lid down to starve the flames of oxygen.
Stay safe on the road
If you’re setting off in your car this summer you can make it easier, less stressful and more enjoyable by following a few easy steps. First, get the car ready. We’ve created a handy list of what to check before you take your car on holiday. Follow this and you should have extra peace of mind before you set off.
Before you take to the road, don’t forget the travel sickness tablets. Best to be on the safe side! You’ll find them at your local branch of The Co-operative Pharmacy. We’ve also got some great advice for when you’re actually on the road. Check out our tips for safer summer driving, which includes some useful advice if you have the misfortune to be involved in an accident.
Safe summer swimming
Planning on a summer dip in the sea or swimming pool? Before you even dip a toe in the water, don’t lose sight of your own capabilities. If you’re not a strong swimmer, always stay within your own limits and never swim alone.
And always make sure you swim under the watchful eye of a life-guard – especially if you’re swimming in the sea. UK beaches operate a flag system to help keep swimmers safe. Red and yellow flags mean there are lifeguards on duty and it’s safe to swim between the two flags. A red flag on its own means it’s too dangerous to swim; while a black and white flag indicates a zone reserved for watersports.
Watch out when using inflatables too. They may be great fun, but can be a hazard when not properly inflated or used on the open sea.
But wherever you’re planning to swim, make sure it’s legal to do so – and clean. Groups like the Outdoor Swimming Society can tell you where it’s safe to swim near you.