Going Camping

Don’t come home with a sunburn

here to help

Camp and Play the Sun Smart Way

When camping you spend plenty of time outdoors in the sun – swimming, playing, hiking and relaxing. Don’t forget the sun gives off invisible energy called ultraviolet radiation that can cause a painful sunburn or other forms of damage to your skin and eyes if they’re not protected. Enjoy the outdoors and use these Sun Smart tips to keep your skin and eyes safe from the sun this summer.

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.

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?

Sun Smart Tools

Sun Smart Posters

Watch out for posters displayed around Saskatchewan parks and recreation sites this summer reminding you and your family to Camp and Play the Sun Smart Way!

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