As families and kids head out to the pool and beach this summer to stay cool from the heat, it’s important to remember to take precautions while under the sun.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

Too much exposure to ultra violet (UV) rays, an invisible form of radiation that comes from the sun and tanning beds, can change skin texture and cause the skin to age prematurely, leading to skin cancer. UV rays also have been linked to eye conditions such as cataracts.

The CDC says that just a few serious sunburns can increase a child's risk of skin cancer later in life.

And it’s not just at the pool, beach or on vacation that kids risk getting too much sun. According to the CDC, their skin needs protection from the harmful UV rays whenever they're outdoors.

Kira Elliott, Program Executive Director of the Magnolia/Tomball YMCA, which operates the City of Tomball pool, stressed the importance of staying hydrated and using sunscreen while partaking in outdoor summer activities.

“At the City of Tomball pool, we give a 15-minute adult swim break and we really encourage kids during that break to use the restroom, drink water and reapply sunscreen,” said Elliott.

She said common mistakes people make that can lead to sunburns are not reapplying more than once and reapplying while in the water.

“Reapplying is the biggest thing. Once isn’t enough, they need to constantly reapply it,” she said. “They need to let it soak into their skin, they shouldn’t apply it while wet or in the pool.”

Making sure to cover those easy-to-miss areas can also prevent burns.

Ears, lips and toes are easy to forget but are just as susceptible to burns. Areas around the eyes, including eyelids and eyebrows are also susceptible due to the sensitive skin in those spots.

“You should always wear sunglasses, your eyes can actually get burned,” she said. “Polarized sunglasses keep the glare off.”

For small children and babies who may have thin or no hair, Elliott suggested hats and sitting in shaded areas.

As for adults, Elliott cautioned those who choose to drink while out in the sun.

“If you’re around a pool drinking alcoholic beverages, that’s not hydration at all,” Elliott said. “People don’t realize the impact. You already dehydrate with alcoholic beverages.”

She added that alcoholic drinks are not allowed at the City of Tomball pool.

For more information on skin cancer and tips for sun safety, visit

www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin.

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