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St. Johns County Fire Rescue recommends a ‘layered approach’ if spending time in the sun

Protect all the skin you're in.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Protecting yourself from the sun seems obvious, but other factors such as dehydration and heat stroke are of real concern.

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St. Johns County Fire Rescue says dehydration and sunburn can happen fast at the beach. Protecting yourself from the sun is one of the most important beach safety tips.

A few tips to remember when you head out to the beach this summer:

  • Remember to drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcoholic beverages.
  • Use sunscreen often, and reapply after swimming. The spray-on kind is especially useful when you’re wet and sandy.
  • Bring protective clothing and an umbrella.
  • Avoid the midday sun, which is the most intense.
  • Bring your shades and wear them; your eyes can get sunburned, too. Make sure your sunglasses are UV certified.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those not only heading to the beach but that will be in the sun for extended periods of time should use a layers approach for sun protection.

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Sunscreen works best when used with shade or clothes, and it must be re-applied every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off.

Use broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to protect exposed skin.

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Have fun and stay safe.