Going Camping

Don’t come home with a sunburn

here to help

Camp and Play the Sun Smart Way

Intense intermittent sun exposure (like the kind you get after being cooped up inside for the winter and then get a burst of sun on vacation) is a risk factor for melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.

Seek Shade

A day at the beach is better in the shade! Pick a shady spot under a tree or pack an umbrella. Remember you’re not totally protected in the shade because UVR can bounce off of the water and the sand. Why not set up a shade sail in your campsite, too?

Slip on Clothing

In general, clothing provides better protection from UVR than sunscreen. The more you can be covered, the better! Longer sleeves will protect you better than a tank top. Try a swim shirt at the beach instead of a typical bathing suit.

Slap on a Hat

A great hat should shade your face, head, ears and neck. Any hat is better than no hat, but wide brimmed hats are best!

Slide on Sunglasses

Your eyes need protection from the UVR, too. Pick lenses labelled UV400 or 100% UV Protection for full protection.

Slop on Sunscreen

Sunscreen works by absorbing or blocking UVR rays. Sunscreen should be used on any skin not covered by clothing.

Use sunscreen labelled:

  • Broad spectrum (the sunscreen will protect against both types of UVR, UVA and UVB
  • SPF 30 (at least)
  • Water resistant (water resistant sunscreen is recommended to reduce the amount removed through sweating or swimming.
  • Sunscreens labelled “water resistant” in Canada must provide protection for at least 40 minutes in water.

Apply sunscreen before you leave the campsite and pack a bottle along in your beach bag so that you can reapply throughout the day, especially after swimming or toweling off.

Sun Smart Tools

Plan Your Day with Sun Safety in Mind

It’s a good idea to practice sun safety every day, but pay special attention on those days when the UV Index is high or very high. Skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes when the UV Index is very high.

Remember, the UVR tends to be strongest between 11:00am and 3:00pm. Could you plan your boat ride for earlier in the morning or into the evening instead of in the afternoon when the sun’s rays are strongest?

Use them all in Combination!

 

Sun Smart Tools

Sun Smart Park Activity Kits

Watch out for a Sun Smart Activity Booklet and UV-Bead craft available at Saskatchewan Provincial Parks in their Park Discovery Packs this summer. The booklet has kid-friendly information about UVR, sticker pages, UV-bead activities and helpful tips to camp and play the Sun Smart Way. Also provided are the supplies necessary to make two UV-bead bracelets. 

 

Check out this blog post for more information about UV-beads and instructions to make a UV-Bracelet.