When the temperatures rise, you and your friends may find yourselves headed for a pool or beach to cool off. Here are some tips to stay safe so you can soak up the sun, swim and enjoy outdoor activities near water.

• Don’t forget the sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 or more even on cloudy days. Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply to any part of your skin that might be exposed to the sun, including your scalp. Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, after swimming, sweating, and toweling off. Limit sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.
• Remember that not everyone knows how to swim! Pushing someone into the pool can be extremely dangerous, especially if there are no lifeguards around. Even to someone who can swim, an unexpected push into the water can lead to a serious injury.
• Always make sure to walk carefully and look out for slippery spots near a pool. Slipping and falling on the pool deck can cause serious injuries.
• When at the beach, look out for rip currents! They can be strong enough to pull even confident swimmers away from shore and out of their comfort zone. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, don’t panic! Instead, swim sideways, parallel to the beach, until you are out of the current. Then, swim at an angle away from the rip current and towards the shore.
• Pay attention to pool and beach rules. Be mindful of the rules of your swimming spot and follow the lifeguard’s instructions. This includes all warnings about marine life and other potential hazards. Remember that a lifeguard’s job is to keep people safe!

-Georgina