4 helpful tips for sun safety at water parks with the family

Going to a water park is an awesome way to stay cool and have fun with family members and friends, but spending hours in the hot sun can result in sunburn and other health hazards. Here are four simple tips that will help you stay protected from the damaging effects of the sun.

• Apply a layer of waterproof sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher at least 30 minutes before you expect to spend time in the sun.
• Make sure the sunscreen is dry when you arrive at the park to ensure that your skin is protected from the moment you ride the first slide or grab a tube on the lazy river.
• Bring the bottle of sunscreen with you, and reapply it regularly at the water park. Put on a fresh coat when you get out of the water to sit in the sun.
• Allow the sunscreen to dry before you get back in the water. If you're not spending too much time out of the water, reapply sunscreen every two to three hours.

• Protect your skin from the sun when you're not in the water by wearing a hat with a wide brim and a shirt.
• Shirts and hats help prevent sunburn if you happen to miss a few spots when you apply sunscreen.

• Nearly all water parks offer some indoor or shaded areas.
• If you're planning on spending a day at the water park, take breaks in shady areas every few hours, particularly if you're at the park midday when the sun is the strongest.
• Although shirts and sunscreen provide sun protection, staying out of the sun completely is the only way to avoid exposure.

• Sunburn isn't the only sun hazard; you can also experience dehydration. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun, drink water regularly to make sure your body stays properly hydrated.
• You can ensure you'll have cold water all day without spending money by freezing a few bottles of water and bringing them with you. You'll be able to enjoy fresh, cold water as the bottles melt.