Swimming is a great way for children and adults to stay active, build confidence and enjoy time outdoors. However, outdoor swimming also means spending extended periods under the sun.
Whether you are attending swimming lessons, training regularly or simply enjoying a day at the pool, protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important.
Using sunscreen correctly is one of the simplest ways swimmers can protect their skin while enjoying the water.
Why Do Swimmers Need Sunscreen?
Outdoor swimming pools can expose swimmers to sunlight for long periods. Even a relatively short swimming lesson can be combined with additional time spent waiting beside the pool, travelling to and from the pool or playing in the water afterwards.
UV radiation from the sun can cause sunburn and contribute to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer over time.
Children may spend many hours outdoors throughout their childhood, so developing good sun-protection habits early can be beneficial.
Applying sunscreen before an outdoor swimming lesson is a simple habit parents can incorporate into their child’s swimming routine.
Does Water Protect You From the Sun?
Being in the swimming pool does not mean that you are fully protected from UV exposure.
Swimmers may still be exposed to UV radiation while they are in and around an outdoor pool. This is why sun protection remains important even when much of the lesson takes place in the water.
Swimmers should therefore think about sun protection both before entering the pool and while spending time around the pool area.
Does Water Protect You From the Sun?
Being in the swimming pool does not mean that you are fully protected from UV exposure.
Swimmers may still be exposed to UV radiation while they are in and around an outdoor pool. This is why sun protection remains important even when much of the lesson takes place in the water.
Swimmers should therefore think about sun protection both before entering the pool and while spending time around the pool area.
Choosing Sunscreen for Swimming
When choosing sunscreen for swimming, look for a product that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation.
For outdoor activities, a sunscreen with a suitable SPF and water resistance can be particularly useful.
Water-resistant sunscreen is important for swimmers because ordinary sunscreen may become less effective after spending time in the water, sweating or drying yourself with a towel.
However, it is important to remember that water-resistant does not mean waterproof.
Always follow the instructions provided with the sunscreen you are using
Apply Sunscreen Before Swimming
Don’t wait until your child is about to jump into the swimming pool before thinking about sunscreen.
Apply sunscreen according to the product’s directions and make sure exposed areas of the skin are adequately covered.
Commonly missed areas can include the:
- ears
- neck
- shoulders
- arms
- legs
- feet
- back
Parents should pay particular attention to areas that will remain exposed throughout the swimming lesson.
Remember to Reapply Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen once in the morning does not necessarily provide protection for an entire day outdoors.
Sunscreen may need to be reapplied, particularly after swimming, sweating or towel drying. The appropriate timing depends on the sunscreen being used, so always follow its label directions.
If your child has several activities throughout the day, make sunscreen reapplication part of the routine rather than assuming the first application is still sufficient.
Sunscreen Is Only One Form of Sun Protection
Sunscreen is useful, but it should not necessarily be the only way you protect yourself from the sun.
When appropriate, swimmers and parents can also consider other forms of protection, such as wearing suitable protective clothing, using a hat while outside the pool, wearing sunglasses and seeking shade when not swimming.
Planning outdoor activities with sun exposure in mind can provide another layer of protection.
Building Good Habits From Young
Swimming lessons teach children much more than swimming strokes.
Children learn about water safety, independence and responsible behaviour around the water. Sun protection can become another healthy habit associated with going swimming.
Parents can establish a simple routine:
swimwear → swimming equipment → sunscreen → swimming lesson
Over time, applying sunscreen before outdoor swimming can become as normal as remembering goggles or a towel.
Enjoy Swimming Safely
Swimming offers many physical, social and developmental benefits. Sun exposure shouldn’t prevent children from enjoying outdoor swimming, but appropriate precautions are important.
Before your next outdoor swimming lesson, remember to prepare for both water safety and sun safety.
At Friendly Dolphin Swim School, we want children to develop confidence in the water while learning habits that help them enjoy swimming safely.
With suitable sun protection, swimmers can focus on what matters most — learning, improving and enjoying their time in the pool.
