Stay in the shade whenever possible and keep infants under 6 months of age out of the sun.
 

Try and avoid outdoor activities during mid-day hours (10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), when the UV sun rays are the strongest
 

 anyone over 6 months of age should be using a broad spectrum sunscreen, one that covers both UVB and UVA.
 

Sunscreens should be applied about 30 minutes prior to exposure and every two hours thereafter, even on cloudy days (avoid the eyelids!)
 

The spring and fall are two seasons that people are at particularly high risk of getting sunburned.  Why?  Because the air is still cool, but the sky can be bright blue thus contributing to a significant burn!
 

Think of sun smart behaviors, meaning:  when not in the pool/ocean or walking along the beach, consider being under an umbrella and importantly, wear protective clothing:  a long-sleeved shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
 

  Take special precautions when the National Weather Service’s daily UV radiation index predicts UV exposure levels of moderate and above (5-10+), especially if one is near reflective surfaces such as water, snow, and sand. 
 

Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB) with an SPF of at least 15.  Realize that an SPF of 30 does not give twice the protections as an SPF of 15.  SPF 15 absorbs 93% of sunburning rays, while an SPF 30 has a 97% absorption rate.  There is no scientific need to go above an SPF 30!
 

Remember that Waterproof means reapplication about every 80 minutes and water resistant about every 40 minutes when swimming outdoors.
 

Since sunscreens are increasingly being associated with forms of allergic dermatitis, if you become allergic to any sunscreen chemicals, consider zinc oxide cream, an excellent physical sunblock.