The Importance of Sun Protection

It’s that time of year again. We endured another cold, harsh winter, and now it’s time to enjoy the short summer Southern Ontario gives us. It’s time to make the most out of every sunny day! Before you head out on your next day trip, you will need to pack some essentials.

When you’re out on the water, the sun can be more intense than you realize. Not only are you exposed to direct sunlight, but the water reflects UV rays back toward you, increasing your exposure even more. A few hours on the river can quickly turn into an uncomfortable sunburn if you’re not prepared. When exploring the outdoors, its essential to wear the proper sun protection. Before launching, make sure you have sunglasses, lots of water, lightweight clothing that provides sun protection and very importantly, sunscreen.

One of the most common misconceptions about sunscreen is what SPF actually stands for. Many people believe SPF 30 stands for “Sun Proof For” 30 minutes, however that’s not what it means at all. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number indicates how much longer it may take your skin to burn compared to being unprotected. For example, if your skin would normally begin to burn after 10 minutes in the sun, an SPF 30 sunscreen could theoretically extend that protection to 300 minutes under ideal conditions. Of course, factors such as sweating, swimming, and towel drying reduce effectiveness, which is why sunscreen should be reapplied regularly throughout the day.

Planning a day on the Grand River and forgot to bring the sunscreen? Don’t let that put a damper on your adventure! Add sunscreen to your booking so you’re prepared before you even hit the water. It’s one less thing to worry about and one more way to make sure your day is safe, comfortable and enjoyable.