How should we protect ourselves from the sun?

Harmful sun rays can lead to early skin burns and, in the long term, premature skin aging, skin cancer, and cataract development. To protect against these harmful effects of the sun, attention should be paid to the following points:

– Avoid going outside during the most intense sun rays between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible. Even in the shade, be aware that sunburn can occur due to the reflection of rays from sand and the sea.
– Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Use wide-brimmed hats that cover your neck. Wear sunglasses that can block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays.
– Use effective broad-spectrum sunscreen against UV A and UV B rays. Prefer products with at least 30 sun protection factor (SPF). Those with fair skin may prefer products with higher protection factors. Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply every 2-3 hours. Renew the cream after sweating, swimming, washing, and drying. Sunscreens can deteriorate over time, and storing them in heat can accelerate this process. Do not use the cream after the specified expiration date. For products without a specified expiration date, do not exceed a usage period of 3 years.
– The reliability of sunscreens has not been tested in children under 6 months of age. Therefore, babies under 6 months should not be exposed to the sun as much as possible, and they should wear sun-protective clothing. Sunscreen should only be applied in small amounts and on small body areas (such as the back of the hand and cheeks).
– Do not allow your child to swim alone in the sea.
– Prefer beaches with lifeguards.
– Children should not swim in depths deeper than their arm’s length and should be under your close supervision.
– In water with fast flow such as rivers and water channels, do not allow your child to swim.
– Children aged 1-4 can take swimming lessons based on their developmental level, but learning to swim should not be seen as a drowning prevention tool at any age.
– Armbands and devices like swim rings are not life jackets and can create a false sense of security. Be careful when using these tools.

What Can We Do for Sunburn?

Sunburn is characterized by redness and pain in the skin as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun without protection. It develops 3-5 hours after exposure to the sun, intensifies within 12-24 hours, and recedes within 72 hours. When sunburn develops, it is advisable not to go out in the sun until the symptoms subside. For mild burns, cold compresses, moisturizing lotions, or aloe vera lotions can be applied to relieve the burned area. Pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen syrups can be used to alleviate pain. When there are severe burn symptoms such as blistering, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

How Can We Ensure Safety in the Sea?

– Do not allow your child to swim alone in the sea.
– Prefer beaches with lifeguards.
– Children should not swim in depths deeper than their arm’s length and should be under your close supervision.
– Your child should dive into the water only under your supervision, checking the depth and whether there are any substances that may cause injury at the bottom.
– Do not allow your child to swim in areas with fast water flow, such as rivers and water channels.
– Children aged 1-4 can take swimming lessons based on their developmental level, but learning to swim should not be seen as a drowning prevention tool at any age.
– Armbands and devices like swim rings are not life jackets and can create a false sense of security. Be careful when using these tools.