For many Maltese, some of the most anticipated summertime activities happen around the pool in some remote Gozitan farmhouse. Good food, ice-cream, plenty of sun... just the ingredients for a chilled break. But before you dive into the fun, be sure you and your family know the many ways to practice pool safety.

Sun safety

Sunburns can cause a lot more than just an embarrassing red appearance on the skin; they can be the source of severe pain, fever and even dehydration. In fact, just one sunburn during childhood can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, multiple events of extreme sunburn for individuals age 18 and younger can contribute to the development of melanoma.

The sun’s harsh rays can also affect your appearance later in life, causing premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. For babies six months of age or younger, keep their sensitive skin out of sunlight completely. For all other ages, here are the dos and don’ts for playing in the sun;

Do dress your baby in protective clothing.

Always cover baby’s arms and legs in airy, light-coloured garments. Dark colours absorb heat, while lighter hues reflect it, keeping baby cooler;

Look for shirts and swimwear made from sun-protective fabrics. These garments are especially great if your kids spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer;

Choose a wide-brimmed hat or ball cap and sunglasses to protect your baby’s eyes.

Don’t forget the sunscreen

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you avoid applying sunscreen on infants younger than six months.

Individuals with sensitive skin should seek a hypoallergenic, chemical-free formula with zinc oxide or titanium oxide with an SPF of 15 or higher.

If you use a chemical-based sunscreen, always test on a patch of skin first.

Apply sunscreen at least every two hours and pay attention to the product’s expiration date as the active ingredients can lose their effectiveness over time.

Water safety

Once your skin is properly protected, it’s almost time to jump in. But before you do, make sure the water is clean and ready.

Swim in safety

We all know that swimming is a lot of fun, but drowning is a real danger. Olympic gold medal winner and mom, Janet Evans, says that not even the best swimmers can take anything for granted in the water.

Enrol your children in swimming lessons.

Even though we live on an island surrounded by water, people are not born with readily-made swimming skills. Enrolling children in swimming lessons at a young age will help reduce the risk of accidents and drowning.

Don’t let your children swim alone.

Yes, we get it. It’s only too easy to enjoy a beer or two in the air-conditioned living room while your children frolic outside by the pool. But drowning is silent and it happens quickly.