Summer is a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, be active and spend time with friends and family. As schools let out and summer approaches, it is important for us to remember to stay healthy and safe under the sun and in the water. This summer, take precautions to help keep your family safe from disease and germs:
- Keep cool and seek shade during the midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when ultraviolet (UV) rays are at the greatest.
- Wear clothing that protects the skin such as a wide-brimmed hat to shade the face and sunglasses to protect yourself from exposure to UV rays.
- Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. Remember to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, and toweling off.
- Check your pool to see if it is at the proper chlorine level (1–3 mg/L or parts per million [ppm]) and pH (7.2–7.8) to maximize germ-killing power.
- Don’t swim when ill and don’t swallow the water; chlorine and other disinfectants don’t kill germs instantly.
Enjoy your time outdoors and in the water, and take steps to be healthy.
Last Updated: August 4, 2024