How can surf lifeguards effectively deal with sun safety?

Providing sunscreen is an effective way for surf lifeguards to manage sun safety because it directly addresses the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunscreen acts as a protective barrier that absorbs or reflects these harmful rays, minimizing the risk of skin-related issues. It is essential for lifeguards to not only distribute sunscreen but also educate beachgoers on proper application techniques and the importance of reapplying it, especially after swimming or sweating.

While limiting sun exposure, ensuring guests wear hats, and monitoring water temperatures are supportive measures in promoting overall safety, they do not directly mitigate the harmful effects of sun exposure as effectively as providing sunscreen does. Limiting sun exposure can be difficult to enforce, wearing hats may not be universally accepted or comfortable for everyone, and monitoring water temperatures is important for different safety reasons but does not address sun safety specifically. Thus, providing sunscreen stands out as the most proactive and direct approach for surf lifeguards to foster sun safety among beachgoers.