Summertime is a great time to escape to the beach with family, or enjoy the pool in your backyard or neighborhood. Wherever you go, here are some tips from The Baton Rouge Clinic’s Pediatricians to stay safe while having fun in the sun!

Sun Safety: Always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days, with a minimum SPF of 30. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outside so that it has time to work on the skin, and reapply every 2 hours after. Remember that the sun produces the most powerful rays between 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. Dress them in lightweight clothing that covers the arms & legs, and use wide-brimmed hats.

Water Safety: Both children and adults should never swim alone. Always watch children closely, and use “touch supervision,” meaning the child is within arm’s length when in or near the water. Should you get caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore rather than against it. Never swim in storms or lightning, and remember that bathing suits in bright colors are best so that children can be easily spotted in the water.

Always remember to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats!