Collaborative post
Summer is certainly here, so you are probably in the process of planning an exciting UK holiday, which will no doubt entail exploring some new places and doing activities that your family has never done before. And while getting your family prepared for a new adventure is exciting, there are definitely some things you will have to consider.
According to Yahoo News, the Met Office is predicting that this year will be one of the hottest yet. In addition, you can expect the summer to be longer than we’re used to and reach temperatures well above your standard summer.
We always need to do our part in keeping our families safe amidst the heat—especially now during the warmer months of the year. Plus, when you’re on holiday, you may feel the effects of the sun and the environment even more greatly. Below are some sun and water safety tips for families on holiday in the UK.
Use sunscreen
If you’re going to spend some time outdoors, make sure your children are protected from ultraviolet (UV) rays using sunscreen. Even if it’s not a particularly sunny day, children’s skin is much more sensitive to sun damage than adults. According to the NHS, children that are under six months old should be kept out of direct, strong sunlight completely. For children older than that, sunscreen should be at least SPF30.
If you plan to stay out in the sun for long, it’s good practice to apply sunscreen twice: half an hour before going out and right before you go out. It’s especially important to reapply if you plan to go swimming. Eye protection is another element of sun safety that is easy to overlook when packing for a family holiday.
For parents who wear prescription glasses, switching to contact lenses during the holiday can make a practical difference, freeing you up to wear UV-protective sunglasses over them without the hassle of prescription frames. Daily disposables are particularly convenient for travel since there is nothing to clean or store, and if you run out mid-trip, Vision Direct offers next day delivery, so you are never caught short.
A sun and water safety post by Love Holidays discusses how water particles actually reflect UV rays, making people (especially children) more susceptible to sunburn. Make sure to reapply the moment anyone leaves the water. You may want to keep a handy bottle of SPF in your bag in case anyone needs a reapplication of sunscreen at any point.
Cool off in the shade
Cancer Research UK says that the sun’s UV rays are strongest in the UK from mid-March to mid-October between 11 AM and 3 PM. During this time, let the family bundle up and spend some time in the shade.
Staying in the shade doesn’t necessarily mean the fun has to stop. Some of the best outdoor group games for kids can be carried out indoors without ruining the concept. After the peak UV hours have passed, you can take the games outside again and enjoy more outdoor activities with your children.
Dress appropriately
What you wear isn’t just about fashion, especially if you’re spending time in the water or under the sun.
For starters, make sure you pack clothing that will let you cover up when the sun gets too hot. Sunburn isn’t just an annoyance, as it can be very dangerous for both children and adults in the long run. Long-sleeved shirts are great options that you can easily wear over swimming gear and remove whenever. Brimmed hats can also be a handy accessory to protect your faces, which has more delicate skin than any other part of the body.
As for swimming, having the right gear is particularly important if you’re going to open water. The Royal Life Saving Society UK reports that a lack of safety equipment when swimming significantly increases the difficulty for rescue.
When swimming in open water, you may encounter rocks, corals, and other abrasive surfaces, which can scrape or bruise your skin if you’re not careful. Comfortable wetsuits and bright swim hats for all your family members can be a literal saving grace when the unexpected happens.
Find the best plus size wetsuits here.
Never go alone
Last but not least, make sure that your whole family stays together! It’s especially important to accompany young children, but it’s best to look out for everybody in your group. Drowning is among the top causes of accidental deaths in the UK, so you shouldn’t underestimate how powerful water can be.
This is especially important in open water, which the Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership strongly advises families to avoid approaching alone. This is because these tend to have hidden dangers like undercurrents, submerged stainers, and contamination.
While it’s great for everybody to relax while on holiday, it’s much safer if you keep an eye on your children if you’re going in the water. To have more peace of mind, your family may want to go to a lifeguarded beach or swimming venue, where there is more supervision, safety equipment, and safety signs that can guide children.
This summer, remember to enjoy your holiday safely and healthily with your family with the right safety practices!