AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — As summer temperatures rise, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialist emphasizes the importance of protecting children from the dangers of sun exposure and water-related risks. Parents and caregivers can significantly reduce risks for their children by understanding sun safety and staying vigilant at pools and other outdoor events.

While sun and pool safety are vital for all children, Silvia Vilches, a family and childhood development specialist with Alabama Extension at Auburn University, said it is important for caregivers to recognize that safety needs differ for infants, toddlers and older children.

Vilches said needs change quickly as children grow.

“Understanding how children move and interact with the world around them can give parents and caregivers better insight as they seek to properly care for their children during summer outings,” Vilches said.

Sun Safety

Vilches said protecting children from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is crucial. The UV index, which ranges from 1 (low exposure) to 11 or above (extreme exposure), provides a reliable measure of risk levels. Parents are advised to limit outdoor activities when UV levels are high, particularly when exposure peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“A simple shadow check can help: if your shadow is shorter than you are, it’s time to seek shade,” Vilches said. “Most of a person’s harmful sun exposure happens when they’re young. Taking extra precautions to protect your children can have a lifelong impact on their health.”

Sunburns during childhood can lead to long-term skin damage, premature aging and even skin cancer. Infants under six months should wear protective clothing and avoid direct sun exposure. Vilches said shaded areas are ideal for infants who need to be outdoors.

Mineral-based sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are recommended for young children due to their safety and effectiveness. Products can be matched to skin tones.

Skin Care

Apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours. Vilches said when children are playing in the water, water-resistant sunscreen is essential.

“While sunscreen is a vital tool against UV radiation, experts remind parents to use it alongside protective clothing, hats and sunglasses,” Vilches said. “Parents who are concerned about sunscreen ingredients may choose to use mineral sunscreens. However, it is important to note that there are no current official research warnings about chemical ingredients, so this is a choice, not a recommendation.”

Children with fair skin, pale hair and light-colored eyes are at higher risk for sun damage and burns. However, children with darker skin tones also require sun protection, as they are still vulnerable to skin cancer and premature aging.

Vilches said parents should consider their child’s sensitivity to sun exposure and adjust plans accordingly.

“Invite children to the shade for snack time,” Vilches said. “By building in shaded time, children are more likely to take breaks without direct sun exposure. This time also allows parents to help children stay hydrated and eat snacks to sustain play.”

Water Safety

While sun exposure may be a more common risk, water games and poolside fun are summer staples that can also pose concerns. Safety near water requires vigilance.

“Parents must stay engaged while supervising children at pools or beaches,” Vilches said. “Avoid distractions like smartphones and stay alert to prevent accidents.”

In addition to ensuring sun safety, Vilches said teaching children to swim is critical for water safety. Toddlers who cannot swim move quickly so having more than one pair of eyes is important.

“In the South, we enjoy our water sports and recreation,” Vilches said. “For families from non-swim environments, early lessons can be life-saving. Make swimming lessons a priority for children and adults in your family.”

Along with swimming lessons, safety PFDs (personal flotation devices) like life vests should be used at all times on boats. This helps help prevent accidents from turning into disasters. Vilches also said becoming familiar with local water conditions is important to understand the risks of unknown surroundings in a beach setting.

“If you don’t have a way to become familiar with your surroundings, you can always watch the locals,” Vilches said. “If the locals are not swimming or are avoiding an area on the beach, it is a safe bet to avoid that area, too.”

More Information

“As a parent, you can’t imagine all of the creative things your children can do,” Vilches said. “Create an emergency plan for outdoors and poolside action and take precautions so you can enjoy the water or the sunshine, knowing you can respond appropriately.”

With proper precautions and attentive caregiving, families can enjoy the sunshine while minimizing risks. Protecting children’s health and safety ensures that summer memories are filled with joy for years to come. Learn more about maintaining hydration during the summer months by visiting aces.edu.