The UKHSA issued some advice about staying safe in the summer (Image: Getty)
Families have been reminded of an 11am rule to help them stay safe this summer. It comes as part of wider advice for dealing with hot weather, as the Met Office is predicting higher than usual temperatures over the holidays.
In an update, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging families to take simple steps to “enjoy the summer break safely” and “protect their family’s health”.
It warned that further heat health alerts could be issued throughout the summer as temperatures rise.
Most vulnerable to the heat are children and older adults. However, the UKHSA said: “But anyone can be affected by particularly high temperatures and spending time outdoors, travelling and taking part in sports and other activities can increase the risk of becoming unwell if simple precautions are not taken.”
One simple rule from the UKHSA was to try to avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm. This is because this is when UV levels are highest.
The Met Office is predicting a warmer than usual summer this year (Image: Getty)
It said: “If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly.” This is backed by advice from the NHS website, which says: “Keep out of the heat if you can.
“If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.”
The rest of the UKHSA recommendations were:
- Keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day
- If you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening.
- Check weather forecasts to see when it will be cooler
- Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
It also stressed the importance of being safe in water. Therefore, you should:
- Supervise children closely at all times
- Swim at lifeguarded locations whenever possible
- Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust to the temperature
- Be aware that open water is usually much colder than it looks
- Leave the water immediately if you begin to feel cold or unwell
- Always swim with others and look out for each other
- Swim parallel to the shore rather than away from it
- Wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid when taking part in activities such as boating, paddleboarding, kayaking or fishing
- Carry a means of calling for help whenever possible. If heading out alone, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
If you get into difficulty in the water, Float to Live by tilting your head back, floating on your back and controlling your breathing until help arrives or you are able to swim to safety
It added: “If you see someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard if at the coast.”
Professor Robin May, chief scientific officer at UKHSA, commented: “As schools break up for the summer holidays and families spend more time outdoors, we want everyone to enjoy the warmer weather safely.
“Simple steps such as staying hydrated, keeping out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, wearing sunscreen and staying aware of the signs of heat exhaustion can help prevent illness during periods of hot weather.
“As a parent I know how tempting it can be for young people to cool off and have fun with their friends in open water, but we know just how tragically this can end. If you’re a parent or guardian, please speak to children about the risks of swimming in open water and follow the advice from our partners such as the Royal Life Saving Society UK.”
