A beach trip or a few hours at the pool is one of the real pleasures of summer with kids. But if you’re relying on a “water resistant” sunscreen to keep everyone protected once the swimming starts, it’s worth knowing that it may not work as well as the label suggests.
Sign up for our free monthly newsletter, packed with ideas, competitions and offers. Did we mention it’s free?
Tests by consumer group Which? found that the water-resistance of sunscreens can drop significantly once they’ve been worn in the pool or sea. Which? tested popular sunscreen brands and found that sun protection factor (SPF) dropped by nearly 60% after time in salt water.
The tests checked water-resistance in controlled conditions, using chlorinated water, salt water and moving tap water. SPF dropped by 59% in both salt water and moving water, while chlorinated and still tap water tests showed a drop of up to 40%.
Which? said at the time that guidelines around sun cream water resistance were “unrealistic to the point of being meaningless,” and warned that this could leave families more exposed to sun damage than they realise.
Sun Protection Tips When at the Beach or Pool
#1. Check the UVA coverage of your sunscreen
A high SPF number only tells part of the story. SPF is a measure of UVB protection, but it doesn’t automatically mean strong UVA protection too. Check the UVA rating (usually a circled letters or star rating) on the back of the bottle.
You may also enjoy reading: SPF, UVA, UVB… Do you know what to look for in your Sunscreen?
#2. Apply sun cream 20 minutes before heading to the beach or pool
Sunscreen needs time to be absorbed and activated in the skin, so apply the first layer around 20 minutes before you leave the house, apartment or hotel room, not once you’ve arrived.
#3. Remember UVA and UVB rays can penetrate the water surface
Being in the water doesn’t mean you’re shielded from the sun. Around 60% of UVB and 85% of UVA rays can still reach you 50cm below the surface. Always wear sunscreen in the water, and reapply once you get out.
#4. Reapply sunscreen regularly
Reapply after every swim, whether that’s a dip in the pool or a swim in the sea. It’s also worth checking you’re using enough in the first place — most people apply far less than the recommended amount, so don’t be shy with it. If you’re applying properly and reapplying after each swim, a bottle will go a lot faster than you might expect over a beach day.
#5. Don’t forget those “sun traps”
A few small spots are easy to miss and quick to burn:
- Noses
- Cheeks
- Tips of ears
- Shoulders and top of the back
- Back of the neck
A sunscreen lip balm is a handy add-on to keep lips protected too.
#6. Hats are essential
A cap or wide-brimmed hat gives extra shade for faces, ears and the back of the neck — worth packing for every beach or pool day.
#7. Avoid midday sun
Try to keep to the shade in the middle of the day, when the sun is at its strongest.
You may also enjoy reading: New Suncare Technologies Help Families Stay Sun Smart
Over to you now — do you have other sun protection tips or sunscreen tricks that work for your family? Share them with us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does water resistant sunscreen mean it lasts all day in the pool or sea?
No. “Water resistant” means the sunscreen retains some protection for a limited time in water, not that it lasts indefinitely. Testing has shown SPF can drop significantly after swimming, so reapplication after time in the water is still essential.
How often should sunscreen be reapplied at the beach or pool?
Reapply after every swim, and at least every two hours even if you haven’t been in the water, since sweat, towelling off and general activity all reduce how much protection is left on the skin.
Do I need sunscreen while my child is actually in the water?
Yes. UV rays penetrate water, so skin is still exposed while swimming. Sunscreen should be applied before swimming and topped up as soon as you’re out.
What’s the difference between SPF and UVA protection?
SPF measures protection against UVB rays, which cause burning. UVA protection (often shown as a star rating or circled letters on UK/Irish products) covers UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin. A good sunscreen needs both.
Related Articles
- SPF, UVA, UVB… Do You Know What to Look For in Your Sunscreen?
- New Suncare Technologies Help Families Stay Sun Smart
- Sun Safety Tips for Family Days Out
Before You Go
Heading to the beach or pool soon? Browse our other family sun safety and summer days out ideas, and save this one for your next trip.
Want more practical parenting tips like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free monthly newsletter — it’s full of ideas, competitions and offers, and yes, it really is free.
