Originally published: May 2025
Exploring and playing outside is a great way to stay active and enjoy nature as a family! However, it’s important to protect yourself and your child from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) year-round. Teaching your child about sun safety now will help protect them today and in the future. Here are some ways to keep you and your child safe in the sun year-round.
Understand the ultraviolet (UV) index
The Ultraviolet (UV) index tells you about the strength of the sun’s UVR. In Alberta, the UV index is highest from March to October. During these months, plan outdoor activities before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m. or when the UV index is three or lower. If you go outside when the UV index is three or higher, it’s time to practice sun safety. The higher the UV rating, the more protection you’ll need when outside, even in the winter.
Don’t let the weather fool you – always check the UV index
The temperature outside is not a good measure of the strength of the UV index, but finding out the UV index is easy. Check Environment Canada's Daily UV Index Forecast or use a weather app. You can use the UV index to help plan your day outside with sun safety in mind. But don’t let a cloudy day trick you. The sun’s rays can pass through clouds and fog!
Be sun safe
Being sun safe means taking simple steps to protect you and your child’s skin and eyes from the sun. Remember that sun safety is for everyone, no matter the colour of your skin. People with lighter skin have a higher risk for sun damage but darker skin can still be affected. Here’s what you can do to stay safe:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protective Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours – more often if swimming or sweating. Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like the back of the neck, ears, tops of the feet and lips. Use lip balm with SPF. If you are using sunscreen and bug spray, apply the sunscreen first.
- Wear sunglasses. Use sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. Look for labels that say "100% UV protection”. Wrap-around styles work well because they protect the sides of the eyes too.
- Put on a hat. Choose a wide-brimmed hat that covers you and your child’s face, neck and ears.
- Dress to protect. Pick lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants made of tightly woven fabric. UV-protective clothing is a great option for children from March to October and between 11am and 3pm when the UV index is at its highest.
- There is no such thing as a safe tan. Tanning – indoors or outdoors – can cause skin damage. Even if your child doesn’t burn easily, it’s still important to use sunscreen and other protection from the sun.
- Did you know that anyone under 18 years old is legally banned from indoor tanning even if they have their parent or guardian’s consent.
Find shade
Shade is one of the easiest ways to protect your child from the sun. Think about planning ‘shade breaks’ into your day. When planning outdoor activities:
- Look for places like parks with lots of trees or structures for shade.
- Bring an umbrella to create your own shade.
- Use a pop-up tent for kids to take a break away from direct sunlight.
Be sun safe all year
Being sun safe is not just for when the weather is warm and sunny. The UV index is lower in the winter, but snow and ice can reflect the sun’s rays making them stronger. It’s the same idea when you’re in places of high altitude, like in the mountains. Higher altitude means that the UV index will be higher.
Role model sun safety
Kids learn by watching what you do. When you practice sun safety, you’re showing them how to stay safe too. So put on your sunscreen, wear a hat and grab your sunglasses. Staying safe in the sun is something you can do together!
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