Schools out for some kids and if they aren't out yet, they will be soon! The days have been cool, but those hot summer days are coming! Here are Macaroni KID Williamsport's 5 tips to keep everyone safe and having fun this SUMMER season.
One of the most important tips during the summer and on those hot days is to apply sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen every two hours. You should also apply it right after swimming or sweating. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists also recommend a sunscreen with an SPF of 30. Sunscreen with SPF 30 will block 97% of the sun's harmful UBV rays. Remember that no sunblock will block 100% of the sun's rays.
Our second tip is to be sure to hydrate! We like to keep water bottles outside with us at all times. This way we can stop and get a quick drink without having to leave the fun! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you drink 8 ounces of water every 15-20 minutes on hot days. You should also drink water at least 30 minutes before a fun summer activity.
Before using the garden hose, be sure to let it run for 45-60 seconds or longer (depending on how hot the water is) to get any hot water that may be in the hose out. Water inside a garden hose, when left out in the sun, can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit. There have been many cases where children have suffered serve burns from the water inside a garden hose. Be sure to let it run till it is cool to the touch.
Do you have a slide in your backyard? Be sure to check the temperature of the slide by placing your hand on it or just above it. Slides heat up really fast on hot, sunny days. I am sure we all remember getting burned on those metal slides on the playground. If you have a hose near by you can run some cold water on it or take a bucket or two of water and dump on the slide. You can teach your kids to do this too. They can place their hand near the slide and see if they feel any heat radiating from the slide. The kids will love dumping water down the slide. Be sure to dry off to keep from having too slippery of a slide!
On hot days be sure to take many breaks. Take a rest under a shady tree or umbrella. You can also go inside and just chill. Taking breaks from the sun will help with heat exhaustion and sunburns! Drink your water and enjoy a snack.
Macaroni KID Williamsport hopes these 5 tips will keep you playing and having fun the rest of the summer!
