With Christmas over for many people it’s time to plan that all-important summer holiday, and for most of us that means travelling to somewhere warm and sunny. Whether you opt for a beach holiday or prefer to book a hotel or a villa with a swimming pool, there is a good chance that you will be doing some swimming. Here is our list of 4 things to remember when swimming this summer.
1. Suncream
Remember to apply plenty of sunscreen before you go swimming. Just because you are in the water, it doesn’t mean that you will escape from the sun. In fact, the cool water can be surprisingly deceptive on a sunny day – leaving you with a nasty case of sunburn. Most people worry about what they are going to wear in summer, from the most beautiful bikinis to great swimming trunks. Few brands take skin health as an essential factor by using high-quality fabrics, making you feel comfortable and fashionable. There are plenty of waterproof sun creams on the market that will last that little bit longer when you go in the water. It is better to opt for something with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) – ideally 30+. Remember, if you have children, often they have very delicate skin which can burn more easily than yours so make sure that you reapply their cream every two hours and when they have been in the water.
2. Wrap up
While the water might seem a bit chilly when you first get in, it can soon feel warmer as you get used to the temperature, and the same thing can be said about getting out of the water. On a windy beach or in the shade by the side of a swimming pool, it can suddenly seem chilly, especially when you are wearing a wet swimsuit. Wrap up until you are a little drier. A changing towel poncho is the perfect tool for the job, not only will it help you to dry off it is also the perfect solution for the acrobatics of trying to get changed discreetly under a towel without flashing other people unintentionally!
3. Water Safety
This is one of the most important things you should consider when you take a trip to the beach. Before you even go in the sea, it is important to think about the conditions and make sure it is suitable for swimming. Rip currents are especially dangerous, so make sure you are familiar with the warning signs. Churning choppy water in a channel like formation, colour change in the water, seaweed and foam moving out to sea and a change in the pattern of waves coming to shore are the major signs.Inflatables can so easily float out to sea, even with almost no wind, so it is much safer not to take those to the beach but keep them solely for use in the swimming pool.
Be aware that dangerous things like jellyfish can often be found even in shallow water, so make sure you keep an eye out for them. If one of your party does come into contact with a jellyfish, do not rub the affected area, and make sure that you seek medical attention.
4. Picking the right beach
If you are fortunate to have a choice of beaches, and especially if you have children, choose the one with a lifeguard present. They will know their beach and the signs to look out for when the water becomes unsuitable for swimming. They will also look out for the safety of your child; however, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t supervise your children. It is still important that you know where your children are, especially when they are near the water; even a good swimmer can get into difficulty in the sea very easily; waves can be very deceptive.
Remember these four important things when planning for this year’s summer holidays, and you won’t go far wrong.
