Importance of Being Sun Safe

With British weather not being the best aspect of the country, many of us will seek to take `full advantage` of the first sign of sunshine, by trying to spend as much time in it as possible, while it lasts - the rationale being that it doesn`t matter because it is not consistently sunny in the UK. However, sun damage can occur very quickly (the skin can burn within twenty minutes of exposure) and can be cumulative over even an extended period of time (i.e. you don`t need consecutive days of exposure to be at high risk of sun damage). In addition, many people do not realise that it is not only direct sun that can be harmful. Even where there is cloud cover, UV rays can still penetrate - up to 80% of the full UV rays can still get through on hazy days with fairly low cloud cover.

One of the biggest dangers when enjoying surfing is that you`re unlikely to feel hot while enjoying the beach, even on the sunniest of days. If the weather appears overcast and you don`t feel hot, there doesn`t seem much immediate need to wear sunscreen or sunblock. However, it is always sensible to apply protection to all exposed areas, whatever the weather. UV rays cause ageing of the skin, which includes changes to the skin`s elasticity, causing sagging and wrinkles and discolouration and sun spots. If you`re young, you`re unlikely to notice these effects until years later - even if you don`t return from your beach visits burnt or visibly tanned - as they can cause damage over several years.

Obviously, if you`re trying to protect yourself while surfing, you should opt for waterproof protection. However, even waterproof products still become less effective after contact with water, as well as needing reapplying every few hours like ordinary sun creams, as well as after towel drying. The best solution is to avoid exposure to the sun at the hottest times of the day, which is between eleven in the morning and two in the afternoon. If you are out during these times, you should try to cover up and wear appropriate clothing wherever possible. Fortunately, there are now a large number of clothes brands available associated with surfing, such as Billabong, who offer a good choice of long board shorts, as well as peaked caps, rimmed hats and t-shirts. For younger surfers, especially, high SPF sun screen is a must and wearing clothing that provides screening to sensitive areas such as the face, neck and upper arms will allow you to enjoy the Welsh coast safely. It is also useful to be aware that wet clothing can provide little more protection than none at all, although UV t-shirts are available for all ages.

Advice

* Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards.
* Swim between the red &yellow flags. They mark the safest areas to swim.
* Avoid swimming alone or unsupervised.
* Read the signs. If a beach is closed, don't swim there.
* If you are unsure of the surf conditions ask a lifeguard or lifesaver.
* Don't swim directly after a meal.
* Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
* Don't run or dive in the water, always check the conditions.
* If you get in trouble in the water, don't panic, raise one arm up and float until help arrives.
* Float with a rip current or undertow, don't swim against it

F-ind the red and yellow flags and swim between them
L-ook at the safety signs
A-sk a lifeguard for advice
G-et a friend to swim with you
S-tick your hand in the air and shout for help if in difficulty

Do swim between the Red over Yellow flags
Don't swim when the Red flag is flying
Listen to your LIFEGUARD and ask advice
Don't take inflatables into the sea, you could be carried away by wind & tide
Don't swim for at least an hour after meals
Don't swim after drinking alcohol
Don't swim alone or when cold

SLIP-SLAP-SLOP

SLIP on a tee shirt
SLAP on a hat
SLOP on some sun cream

	Lifeguard Flag  - safe bathing area Indicates that the beach is patrolled by lifeguards
	Red Flag Danger - it is not safe to bathe or enter the water
	Surfing Area Surfing area flag - surf between the two flags - no bathing
	Signal Flag Used by lifeguards to communicate the following messages where radios are not available

Return to shore	Go further out	Go right/left	Remain stationary
Investigate submerged object	Pick up swimmer	Adjust bouys	Message understood
Repeat message	Assistance required	Swimmer required	Another board required
Danger/Alarm	All clear	Request return to shore	Whistle signals

If you get into difficulty remain calm, float on your back and raise one arm to attract attention
See someone in trouble, contact a LIFEGUARD or dial 999 and ask for the COASTGUARD
Body Boards, stay with your board and don't go out to far