Fear of sunshine causes school to cancel annual beach trip

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Tuesday, June 21, 2016, 7:08 PM - More than 200 students at St George's Preparatory School in Jersey, UK won't be having their annual beach day after concerns were raised about the dangers of sun exposure, the BBC reports.

Headmaster Colin Moore made the decision after the health department issued a warning about skin cancer and midday sun on the island. Moore said the school would instead organize a "less exposed alternative event", adding the children's health "must take priority".

"I'm not suggesting we shouldn't go to the beach... but I think there is a big difference between taking your family to the beach and 210 or 220 children," he told the BBC.

Average temperatures in July in Jersey are between 14C and 20C, slightly higher than the rest of the UK, which sees average daily highs between 11C and 19C during the same time frame.

SUN SAFETY

Health experts say finding the right sunscreen is a must, and the first step towards enjoying the sun safely. SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97 percent and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent.

SEE ALSO: Company claims to have developed drinkable sunscreen

Opt for a product that offers "broad spectrum protection". This will protect against UVA rays, which can cause cancer and wrinkles, as well as UVB rays.

Apply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors and after a swim, even if the label claims the sunscreen is water resistant.

Hat, protective clothing and not going out into the sun are other effective preventative measures.

UV INDEX

The Weather Network provides UV index updates multiple times a day.

The higher the index, the greater the risk of developing sun damage or a burn.

Still, it's important to apply sunscreen daily, even when the UV index is low. If you plan on being outside for more than an hour there's always a risk of sustaining sun damage, regardless of the index.

Source: BBC

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