June 25, 2025
At Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center, we know that staying active doesn’t stop just because the summer sun is getting intense.
July is UV Safety Month. While protecting your skin is important year-round, we thought this would be the perfect time to discuss ways to stay safe while the Florida sun is at its peak.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an invisible kind of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds.
While in moderation UV rays are important for vitamin D production, too much exposure can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Protecting yourself from harmful UV damage is critical, and luckily it may be easier than you think.
Here are our 4 Tips for Protecting Your Skin During UV Safety Month.
Key Takeaways
1. Wear Sunscreen
It may seem obvious, but wearing sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin from UV rays.
But not all sunscreens are created equally.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to picking the right sunscreen:
- Dermatologists highly recommend wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which can block about 97% of the sun’s rays.
- Look for broad spectrum sunscreen, which blocks multiple kinds of damaging UV rays.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.
- If you are using spray sunscreen, remember to rub it in. A simple spritz on top of your skin doesn’t offer adequate protection.
- 80% of UV rays still pass through clouds on overcast days. Don’t skip sunscreen just because the sun’s not shining.
- Terms like “water-resistant,” “baby-proof”, and “sport” are not defined by the FDA. While they may help block UV rays a little longer, you’ll still need to reapply frequently.
- Apply sunscreen to all uncovered skin, including your face, ears, tops of your feet, and legs.
Following these tips can help protect you from painful sunburn and unwanted signs of aging. More importantly, it could ultimately save your life from deadly skin cancer, like melanoma.
2. Stay Covered
Your skin isn’t the only part of your body that can be damaged by the sun. Your eyes need proper protection, too.
Too much exposure to UV light can lead to eye conditions like cataracts and even eye cancer.
Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses can help you enjoy spending time in the sun safely.
Wearing a hat, particularly one with a wide brim, can also help keep your eyes out of direct sunlight. Hats protect your scalp from sunburn and damage, too.
Another option to protect yourself while spending time in the sun is UPF clothing.
These wardrobe staples feature fabric made with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), which offers varying levels of protection against the sun.
Think of it this way: if SPF measures the effectiveness of sunscreen, UPF measures the effectiveness of clothing.
Typically, UPF clothing undergoes testing to ensure it offers consistent protection.
UPF clothing can be a pricier way to keep your skin safe, but it’s a great alternative for individuals who may have skin that is particularly sensitive to sunscreen.
3. Seek Shade
One of the simplest ways to protect yourself from the sun is to stay out of it.
Spending the day poolside? Lounge with a drink in hand beneath a big umbrella.
Headed to the beach? Bring a pop-up tent to provide your own shade in the sand.
Preparing a picnic? Lay your blanket beneath the branches of a big, shady tree.
Not only will shade keep you safe from harmful UV rays, but it will also keep you cooler as you enjoy time outdoors.
4. Swim in an Indoor Pool at RAFC
If you love to stay active and cool with a refreshing swim, consider an indoor pool where you’ll be completely protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
At RAFC, we have a variety of indoor pools available to our members and guests.
The Olympic-sized Competition Pool has hosted world record-breaking swimmers like Katie Ledecky and Michael Phelps.
If you prefer a more social swim, consider taking one of our aquatic fitness classes, like Aquacise or Aqua Zumba.
Our training pool is the perfect place for students of all ages to participate in swim lessons and learn how to keep swimming not only safe, but fun.
While you’re here, check out our incredible fitness center with brand-new exercise equipment for a great workout with zero risk of sunburn.
Make RAFC your summer destination for staying active – without any UV damage to your beautiful skin.
