Summer Safety

Do you enjoy the sunny weather that (hopefully!) comes in the summer? It’s lovely to feel the sunshine on your face, but it’s important to stay safe too. Then you can make the most of the wonderful sunny season.

Fun in the Sun

Getting sunburnt can be so painful. As well as feeling uncomfortable in the short term, sunburn can also increase someone’s chances of getting skin cancer when they’re older. That’s why sun safety is so important. Remember, you don’t have to be on holiday to get sunburnt. It can happen in your garden, local park or school playground. It can even happen when it’s cloudy!

Pass the Sunscreen Slip

There’s an easy way to remember sun safety advice. Follow the slip, slop, slap, seek, slide, slurp guide!

Slip on a top. Cover your body with suitable, lightweight clothing, such as a loose T-shirt. This will protect your body from sunburn.

Slop

Slop on some sunscreen. You should use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30. It’s also important to make sure it has at least 4-star UVA protection and check the expiry date if it’s not new.

Apply the sunscreen to all skin that isn’t covered by clothing, including the face, neck and ears. Make sure you use lots to ensure plenty of protection. Apply the sunscreen before you go out and reapply it every two hours if you’re out in the sun all day. Make sure you use water-resistant sunscreen if you’re having contact with water, such as in the sea or pool. You should also reapply it after being in the water, even if it is water resistant.

Slap

Slap on a hat. This will protect your head from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat is best as that will shade your face, neck and ears.

Seek

Seek out some shade. Avoid being in the sun between 11am and 3pm – this is when the sun’s rays are strongest. If you can’t go inside during these times, search for shade underneath trees or parasols.

Slide

Slide on some sunglasses. Did you know it’s possible to burn the surface of your eyes? Ouch! Always avoid looking directly at the sun and, whenever you can, wear sunglasses that have the CE Mark and British Standard Mark 12312-1:2013 E. You’ll be safe and look super cool!

Slurp

Slurp plenty of water. When the weather is hot it’s even more important to stay hydrated. Drink regularly throughout the day, especially if you’re running around playing.

Sunburn Care

If you do forget some of the tips above and accidentally get sunburnt, here are some ways to help ease the pain.

Chill your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel. Apply a soothing aftersun cream or spray.

Avoid going out in the sun until your skin has healed. If you are going out, make sure you cover the burnt area with loose clothing.

Ask your parents about taking suitable painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed.

If you feel really unwell or your skin swells badly or blisters, ask your parents or carers to get help from a doctor or NHS 111.

Check out next week’s KA! World for more summer safety tips.

Louise

Age? 7.

Favourite colour? Pink and purple.

Favourite food? Egg soldiers.

Favourite sport? Swimming.

Favourite bit of Kids Alive!? Jokes.

Favourite Bible story and why?

The birth of Jesus, because I like the angels.

Favourite TV programme?

Operation Ouch!

What do you want to be when you’re older? Artist.

Pets? A dog called Chester.

Hobbies? Maths and art.

Tell us a joke. What do you call a flying monkey? An air baboon!

What special skill or talent do you have? I can make people laugh their heads off.

Tell us something interesting about yourself. I am the apple pie queen (in eating, but I sometimes help my Mummy to make the mixture).

Is there anything else you would like to tell us? I love school.