As we head into summertime and the summer holidays, you’re probably planning on spending some time out in the sun. But, there are risks and luckily Grace, member of the Youth Parliament Advisory Group has you covered with some great tips.
It’s finally Summer! This is the time of year when we love to go outside, relax and enjoy the sun – it makes a nice change from all of the rain! While it can be lovely to lie outside and sunbathe, play sports or swim in a lake, there are three precautions you should take to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of others, so that we can all enjoy being outside!
- Wear sunscreen
Skin cancer is a leading cause of death and can easily be prevented by just wearing sunscreen. Even if you’re trying to tan, wearing sunscreen will ensure it lasts longer, so it would be wise to make sure that you wear it. SPF 50 is ideal for days with high UV to ensure you are completely protected. And remember, even if it’s overcast, UV rays are still just as strong.- Wearing lifejackets when swimming in rivers
It is all too often that we hear about tragic deaths, particularly teenagers, who have drowned in lakes or rivers while hanging out with friends. Ensuring you wear a lifejacket can make all the difference and only enter the water if you are confident that you are a strong swimmer. It would also be a good idea to check you are nearby to a lifebuoy, as having one of these around could make the difference between life and death in a dangerous scenario.- Keep hydrated!
We should aim to drink at least 1.5-2 cups of water every day, however during summer there is a higher risk of dehydration due to extreme temperatures, so it is important to remember to stay hydrated and drink a bit more water than usual. Whilst remembering to regularly drink water is good, once you actually become hydrated, it’s important to understand that drinking water on its own can be dangerous. You should then drink something like cola, energy drinks or rehydrate with something which will replace essential electrolytes.It is so important to take these precautions seriously, as they are crucial, especially during this time of the year. Have a lovely summer and enjoy the sunshine!
Grace
Nominations are open for the next Somerset Members of Youth Parliament!
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Youth Parliament Elections, where young people aged 11-17 years who live, go to school or college in Somerset can self-nominate for the chance to represent their peers, campaign on issues that matter to young people and represent Somerset on the national stage.
For more information about the elections and to self-nominate, visit https://somersetyouthparliament.org.uk/elections/