We all know summer in Central Florida is the perfect time for getting together outdoors with family, having fun in the sun. Our climate allows for a wide range of sports, leisure and water activities, but while this weather is indeed great, temps can get dangerously high before you know it. Here are some tips for keeping your child safe this summer.
Be Serious about Sun Safety
Sun protection is a must for everyone in Florida, especially for younger children. The sun is doing damage in ways you can't see until later, so prepare yourself and your child in advance. For maximum sun protection, use sunscreen daily and wear long-sleeve sun shirts and hats. UV-rays can also cause long-term damage to the retina and even cause cataracts, so keep your sunglasses handy.
Sunscreen must be applied liberally and repeatedly to all sun-exposed areas. A practical rule is to apply a teaspoon to the face and neck area, two teaspoons to the torso and back, one teaspoon to the arms and two teaspoons to the legs. It should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and re-applied every two hours. Broad-spectrum products with at least SPF of 30 or higher Mineral Based—Zinc or Titanium Dioxide are recommended. Important note: A cloudy day doesn’t mean you can skip on sun protection. UV-rays penetrate cloud cover and can cause skin damage over time.
The best way to protect yourself is to limit exposure and protect your skin and eyes with the appropriate sunscreen and protective eyewear.
Wear it Well
Outfitting yourself and the little ones with the right protection from the elements is key. Here are several helpful items that will keep your family safe in the sun:
- GORE-TEXÒ shoes are ideal, but other fabrics work very similarly
- Sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher Mineral Based—Zinc or Titanium Dioxide
- Synthetic fabrics designed for wicking moisture away such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene, rayon and spandex blends that are naturally UV resistant
- Well-ventilated clothing, shoes and socks
Drink it Up
Easily the most important thing to remember when out and about in the summer heat is proper hydration. Be sure your family drinks plenty of fluids before, during and after playing in the Florida sun. Dehydration can sneak up on you and when it does, it's scary. Sports drinks containing electrolytes are an excellent way to manage any electrolyte depletion you could get by sweating it out during exercise.
If you or your child experience the following symptoms, you should immediately move to a cooler place, stop exercising and cool down by pouring chilled water over your head, ears, neck and wrists, or use wet cloths, compresses and fanning.
- Cool, moist skin
- Dark urine
- Dizziness, lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.
Know what Drowning Looks Like
With our abundant lakes, rivers, springs, beaches and, of course, pools, water safety is a major concern during the summer months. Be sure to follow these guidelines to help your family stay safe.
- Always supervise children in and around water. Drowning doesn't look like what you see in movies or on TV. It's not dramatic flailing – a person who is drowning is often silent and struggling just to keep their nose and mouth above the water. Their arms are outstretched, and they don't have enough energy to call out or kick. It's a very quiet, desperate posture.
- All Florida kids need to know how to swim. Swimming lessons can help a child tremendously (and it's often easier for a qualified instructor to teach a child than a parent). Start lessons as early as possible and make sure your kid understands that being able to stay afloat does not mean they can swim on their own.
- Always outfit yourself and your child with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device when onboard a boat. In many places, it's the law.
- Learn CPR. You never know when you'll need it.
We're so lucky to live in this year-round great weather. Stay smart out there and have fun in the sun this summer!
About Kristy Beron, APRN
Kristy Beron, APRN, is an advanced practice registered nurse in Tavares, FL. Her special interests include preventive health, acute and chronic illness management, test administration and interpretation, cardiac medicine and urgent care. Kristy earned both her Master of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees from the University of South Florida in Tampa.
