Outdoor leisure activities
Sun protection guidelines for all those who enjoy outdoor recreation. The following specific tips and advice have been developed to support the ‘Drink Responsibly This Summer’ campaign by Kopparberg®
Visiting pub gardens, attending festivals, summer parties, BBQs, or simply spending time with friends in outdoor settings can involve prolonged sun exposure mixed with alcohol consumption, which requires specific advice.
- Clothing should be the first line of defence from the sun, but remember, if you remove an item of clothing, you need to sun protect freshly exposed skin to avoid sunburn.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen product with an SPF 30+, and reapply every two hours, paying special attention to your ears, nose, and shoulders, as well as other exposed areas which are prone to burning.
- Alcohol can sometimes make individuals feel warmer, leading to increased sweating, which may reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen, so be aware and take action if required.
- The sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm so on very hot days, try to plan social activities in unshaded areas outside of these hours.
- Enjoy your beverages under parasols, canopies, or in shaded areas to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Be mindful though that the shade moves with the sun, so why not invest in a pop-up shade?
- Combining sunburn with alcohol consumption can exacerbate dehydration and increase the risk of skin damage and head-related illnesses. It’s crucial to stay hydrated and avoid further sun exposure, if you’re dealing with sunburn, and limit alcohol consumption to prevent dehydration.
- Alternating alcoholic beverages with water can help pace your drinking and prevent overconsumption, promoting responsible drinking habits while also supporting your body’s hydration needs in the sun.
- Whilst being social it is easy to forget about your skin and the sun’s effect, or become complacent, so build in a two hour timer into your phone, encourage everyone to sun protect in your group, and look out for signs of sunburn on others.
- Wear a wide brim hat. It will keep you cool, and protect you better than a cap. Your forehead, scalp and ears are vulnerable areas, especially if you are bald or have thinning hair. sunglasses will help protect your eyes from harsh UV rays.
- Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and enhance your enjoyment during outdoor activities, by reducing glare and shielding your eyes from bright sunlight. They can also prevent eye strain and fatigue, enabling you to engage more comfortably in conversations and activities with friends.
- Never look directly at the sun, even if wearing sunglasses as this can cause irrepealable damage to your eyes.
- Ensure that you carry sunscreen at all times during the summer months, so that you are always prepared to enjoy a spontaneous social outing!
