On the day of the outdoor pool: enjoy swimming but protect yourself from harmful UV radiation

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7 July is the day of the outdoor pool: On hot days, the swimming pool is the perfect place to cool off. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) reminded the general public that protection from UV radiation is particularly important for all those who use outdoor pools.

There're not many other places where people expose so much skin to the sun and UV radiation as they do at outdoor pools. UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. The number of cases of malignant melanoma alone has increased almost fivefold in Germany over the past 50 years. Especially children are at risk because their skin and eyes are particularly sensitive to UV radiation.

Seven tips for the perfect day of swimming without sunburn:

UV-Newsletter

1. Check UV index

UV radiation is not something you can directly perceive. That's why you should check the daily UV index. You can find this in many weather apps or the BfS newsletter. The higher the UV index, the higher the UV radiation and thus the greater the risk of sunburn. You should avoid the sun especially at midday, when UV radiation is the most intense.

2. Seek out shaded areas

Shadows reduce the intensity of UV radiation. That's why you should claim a shady spot in your outdoor pool in the morning hours when the UV radiation is not yet so strong. When the sun suddenly appears later, places in the shade quickly become scarce.

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3. Pack a source of shade

If your favourite swimming pool does not have any shady spots, you can make your own. Take along a sun umbrella or beach shelter. When buying these items, look for the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value – the higher it is, the better.

4. Cover as much skin as possible with suitable clothing

This is the best thing you can do for your skin in the sun. This is true especially for children. Tightly woven clothing (e.g. made of 100% cotton or 100% polyester) provides adequate protection. Even better when swimming: wear protective clothing such as bathing shirts. Pay attention to which UPF is indicated – preferably according to standard 801.

5. Wear sunglasses

Also your eyes can be damaged by UV radiation. To ensure that your eyes are well protected, it is best to wear sunglasses that fit close to your head, have wide temples, and offer UV400 protection.

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6. Apply and regularly re-apply sunscreen

Around 30 minutes before going out in the sun, you should apply an even layer of sunscreen to all exposed areas. Better too much than too little. An adult needs around four heaping tablespoons of sunscreen for their entire body in order to achieve the specified SPF. Important: regularly re-apply sunscreen!

7. Protection – even in the water

About 30 minutes before going in the water, you should apply sufficient sunscreen. Water reflects the UV radiation and thus intensifies its effect. After swimming, you should re-apply sunscreen – even if your sunscreen is labelled as waterproof. This is because the protective effect of the sunscreen quickly wears off in the water. After 20–40 minutes of swimming, the sun protection effect is reduced by about half.