Photo: Rachel Nadeau
Experts from Woodbury YMCA share tips for keeping your whole family healthy—and safe—in the sun this summer.
Woodbury YMCA was voted Best Fitness Studio/Yoga Studio/Gym in our Best of Woodbury 2019 readers’ choice survey.
We asked the experts at Woodbury YMCA to share their tips for keeping your whole family healthy—and safe—in the sun this summer. Heading to the pool or park? Follow these guidelines to make the most of a day outdoors.
At the Pool or Lake
“Drownings are the leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 4,” say the safety pros at Woodbury YMCA. “Always supervise children when in or around water. A responsible adult should constantly watch young children.” What else can you do to keep kids safe?
- Teach kids to swim. Formal swimming lessons can help protect children from drowning.
- Learn CPR. Your skills could save someone’s life.
- While boating, wear a life jacket. They should be worn at all times by everyone on any boat.
In the Sun
Hopefully, we know the basics: Damaging UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so plan indoor activities then; wear sunscreen any time you’re in the sun; and so on. But here are a few specific sun-safe tips from the Woodbury YMCA:
- When possible, cover up with long-sleeved shirts, pants or skirts to provide protection from UV rays.
- Wear a hat that shades the face, scalp, ears and neck. If your kiddo chooses a baseball cap, use sunscreen on the exposed areas.
- UV rays can lead to cataracts later in life, so encourage children to wear sunglasses.
- Apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Don’t forget the ears, nose, lips and feet.
