SUN AND SWIM
Enjoy the fun while staying safe
Now that the summer months are here in Southwest Florida, more families are heading to the pools and beaches to cool off. While sunny skies make for great days, there are some general rules to keep in mind to help keep everyone safe. When packing for the beach, remember to bring a beach towel, as well as plenty of water, a beach umbrella, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Sunscreen protects from both the short- and long-term effects of the sun. “The short-term effects are skin burns that can be serious second-degree burns,” explains Piedade Oliveira-silva, MD, medical director at LPG Pediatrics. “Second-degree burns are blister formations that can be quite painful and leave scars. The long-term effects include freckles, scarring, premature aging of the skin, and even skin cancer.”
There are a few essential rules to remember when using sunscreen. First, sunscreen should be applied every hour and a half or two hours, especially if you are getting in and out of the water. Second, check the expiration dates. Once expired, the sunscreen may not be as effective. Third, leaving the sunscreen in a hot place, such as a car, can deactivate the protective ingredients, so keep it cool. Finally, be sure to apply sunscreen to all uncovered areas, including the back of the neck and inside of the arms.
“I recommend using sunscreen any time a child is outside—whether at a park, on a beach, or in the car, as the sun is intense in Southwest Florida. Also, avoid the sun when the intensity is the strongest between 10 am and 2 pm,” says Dr. Oliveira-silva.
The best sunscreens guard against both UVA and UVB rays. They should also have an SPF of at least 30. For the youngest children, special products are available with fewer chemicals. Although lotions and sprays both work, the sprays are sometimes not applied as well as they should be.
Hydration is essential in Southwest Florida. “When outside, be sure to drink a lot of fluids. Opt for water over sugary drinks for maximum hydration,” adds Dr. Oliveira-silva.
In addition to sun protection, another prescription for safe summer fun is water safety. Not only is Florida surrounded by water, but there are also backyard pools, canals, rivers, and lakes to worry about, especially with children. The number-one killer of children ages 1 to 4 is drowning. Drowning takes only minutes, and near-drowning incidents take even less. The longterm effects of near-drowning can include mild to significant brain damage.
“Children, in general, love water and have no fear, so it’s not a good combination,” says Dr. Oliveira-silva.
It’s vital always to be attentive to children while they’re in or near water. Don’t rely solely on flotation devices, and don’t leave a child unattended for even a short time. “Those with home pools should use pool fences, alarms, and other safety measures, including having a designated watcher during parties or gatherings,” says Dr. Oliveira-silva. Pool rules should include no running, pushing, pulling, or diving in the shallow end.
When boating, children must always wear life jackets, even if they are good swimmers. Boats can capsize, passengers can fall overboard, and the water can suddenly become rough and choppy. Boating accidents can also occur. Be sure to use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that is the appropriate size for your child’s weight and water activities. Also make sure the young ones wear these on the dock and at the marina, not just while on the boat.
Swimming lessons are vital to safety, and they can be given to children as young as 6 months old. Infant swimming classes teach babies self-rescue techniques, such as how to float and get to the side of pool. Infant Swimming Resource (infantswim. com) is one option that offers survival swimming lessons for children 6 months to 6 years. Many local public pools provide lessons for older children and adults. Dr. Oliveira-silva recommends starting a child with swimming lessons by 12 to 15 months of age.
It’s important for children to bathe after swimming to remove the chlorine that can irritate young skin.
“Lastly, when out on the water or near the water, keep a phone nearby in case one has to call 9-1-1,” adds Dr. Oliveira-silva.
Keeping these sun and swim safety tips in mind makes for the best summer fun.