Be a Sun Superhero: Slip, Slop, Slap!

The sun gives us light and warmth, but it also sends out invisible rays called UV (ultraviolet) rays. Too much time in the sun without protection can harm our skin and eyes. To be a Sun Superhero, we use the 5 S's to stay safe!Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide! This easy rhyme helps us remember the five most important ways to protect ourselves from the sun.

It's a bright, sunny day and the bell for recess is about to ring! How does a Sun Superhero get ready?Slip: You slip on a shirt with sleeves to cover your shoulders and arms.Slop: You ask a grown-up to help you slop on sunscreen on any skin that's not covered, like your face, neck, and the back of your hands.Slap: You slap on a hat with a wide brim to shade your face and neck.Slide: You slide on your sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright light.Now you're ready to play safely!

A pool day is super fun, but the sun can be extra strong near water because it reflects off the surface. Here's the plan:Use the right gear: Make sure your sunscreen is 'water-resistant'. This means it won't wash off as easily in the water.Reapply, reapply, reapply! After you swim or dry off with a towel, you need to slop on more sunscreen. A good rule is to reapply every two hours.Seek shade: The sun is strongest in the middle of the day. Take a break from swimming to sit under an umbrella or a shady tree while you have a snack.