There are few things better than lying in the summer sun at a beach or pool when you’re on a trip. However, if you don’t take the right precautions, you could do more harm than good to your body. Ocean Club Hotel provides luxury accommodations with beachfront views in Cape May, New Jersey. Here, we help you better understand sun safety and why it’s an important consideration when traveling to Cape May during sunny weather.
Why Is Sun Safety So Important?
Different areas of the world come with different weather conditions. For those who live in or are visiting Cape May, New Jersey, during the summer, one of the biggest benefits is the sunshine. That’s why the area boasts so many beaches and other outdoor activities and why it’s considered such a popular tourist destination. However, because of all the sun you’ll experience, ignoring sun safety can have the following effects on your health:
Sunburn
Virtually all people have experienced sunburn at one time or another. This occurs when the skin’s melanin cannot provide enough protection to cover the amount of ultraviolet (UV) damage it absorbs. In most cases, sunburn will result in redness, pain when touched, and eventual peeling. However, in some cases, it can cause excessive pain and age the skin prematurely.
Sun Poisoning
Sun poisoning is a severe form of sunburn that is caused by excessive UV exposure. It leads to an intense inflammatory or allergic reaction, resulting in symptoms like blistering, fever, chills, nausea, dizziness, and extreme pain. Some cases of sun poisoning require immediate medical attention to prevent lasting harmful effects.
Heatstroke/Sunstroke
Enjoying the sun can feel extremely relaxing, but doing so for too long can lead to harmful conditions like heatstroke or sunstroke. Heatstroke occurs when an individual is exposed to heat for too long or undertakes intense physical activity in high temperatures. This can result in body temperatures rising to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, which can lead to rapid breathing, an increased heart rate, nausea and vomiting, headaches, and other serious symptoms.
What Does Sun Safety Entail?
Despite these potential problems, if you follow basic sun safety tips, you can enjoy your time without worry. Some sun safety measures you should consider when heading outside on a sunny day include:
- Checking the day’s UV Index forecast
- Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF value of 30 or higher and reapplying it every couple of hours, or after swimming or sweating
- Avoiding extended periods in the sun, especially between peak hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Staying hydrated
- Wearing protective clothing and sunglasses with UV protection
- Using headwear, umbrellas, and other accessories that help provide shade
- Ensuring that you’re not on medications that may leave your skin extra sensitive to UV rays
When you take these precautions, you can enjoy the sun safely and prevent problems like sunburn, sun poisoning, and heatstroke.
Make Ocean Club Hotel Your Home for Fun in the Cape May Sun
If you’re looking to have the best experience during your trip to Cape May, NJ, stay at Ocean Club Hotel. Our hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of some of the town’s best beaches, and we also have a large, heated pool with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
If you’re coming in the warmer months and have concerns about sun safety, you’ll be glad to hear that we offer towels and umbrellas to help you keep yourself covered. Our poolside bar makes it easy to get water and other beverages to help avoid dehydration. We can even help you find interesting things to do indoors if you want a break from the sunshine. To learn more, contact us today or book now to reserve a room.