Sun Safety Guide for Kids at the Beach
Keeping kids safe in the Australian sun
Australia has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world. Skin damage from UV exposure can occur in as little as 11 minutes on a high UV day, and children's skin is particularly vulnerable. The good news is that sun safety is simple when you have the right habits and the right gear. This guide covers everything parents need to know about protecting kids at the beach and pool.
What is UV radiation and why does it matter for kids?
UV radiation is invisible energy from the sun that damages skin cells. There are two types that reach the earth's surface. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause long term damage including premature ageing and increased skin cancer risk. UVB rays cause sunburn and are the primary cause of skin cancer. Both types are present year round in Australia, not just on hot or sunny days. UV levels can be high even on overcast days, which is why sun protection should be a daily habit rather than something reserved for obvious beach weather.
When is UV radiation strongest in Australia?
UV radiation in Australia is typically strongest between 10am and 3pm. Outside of these hours UV levels drop significantly, making early morning and late afternoon the safest times for kids to spend extended time outdoors. The free SunSmart app from Cancer Council Australia shows the daily UV index for your location so you know exactly when protection is needed.
The five forms of sun protection for kids
Cancer Council Australia recommends using all five forms of sun protection together when UV levels are 3 or above.
Slip on sun protective clothing. Long sleeve rashies, one piece swimsuits and board shorts that cover as much skin as possible are the most reliable form of protection because they work continuously without reapplication.
Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen. Apply generously to all exposed areas including the face, neck, ears and hands at least 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours and after swimming, even if the sunscreen is labelled water resistant.
Slap on a broad brimmed hat. A hat with a wide brim protects the face, neck and ears which are among the most common sites for skin cancer. Baseball caps do not provide adequate coverage for kids at the beach.
Seek shade. Use beach tents, umbrellas and shaded areas particularly during peak UV hours. Shade reduces but does not eliminate UV exposure so always combine it with clothing and sunscreen.
Slide on wrap around sunglasses. UV radiation damages eyes as well as skin. Look for sunglasses rated to Australian standard AS 1067 for adequate UV protection.
What clothing provides the best sun protection for kids?
Not all swimwear provides equal sun protection. Standard cotton t-shirts when wet can drop to as low as UPF5, offering very little protection. Purpose-built UPF50+ swimwear is specifically rated and tested to block over 98% of UV radiation even when wet. Long sleeve styles provide the most coverage and are ideal for kids spending extended time in and around the water. Brashies rashies and long sleeve swimsuits are all rated UPF50+ and designed specifically for Australian beach conditions.
Why bright coloured swimwear matters at the beach
Sun protection is only one part of keeping kids safe at the beach. Visibility is equally important. A child in pale or patterned swimwear can be very difficult to spot in surf, at a crowded beach or in a busy pool. Fluorescent and high visibility colours make children significantly easier to see in and around the water. This is the core reason behind every Brashies design. Bright colours are not just a style choice, they are a safety choice.
How to apply sunscreen to kids properly
Most people apply far less sunscreen than is needed for full protection. For a child, a generous application means roughly one teaspoon for the face and neck, one teaspoon per arm and two teaspoons per leg. Apply to clean dry skin at least 20 minutes before sun exposure so the sunscreen has time to bind to the skin. Do not forget the ears, back of the neck, tops of feet and any area not covered by clothing. Reapply every two hours regardless of water resistance claims on the bottle.
Beach safety tips for families
Always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches. Flags mark the safest area and are positioned by surf lifesavers based on current conditions. Never swim at unpatrolled beaches with young children. Check the surf conditions before entering the water and choose beaches with calm conditions appropriate for your children's ages and swimming ability. Stay within arm's reach of young children in the water at all times regardless of their swimming ability.
Building sun safe habits early
Children who grow up with consistent sun safe habits are significantly more likely to maintain them as adults. Making sun protection a normal part of getting ready for the beach, the same as putting shoes on or buckling a seatbelt, removes the negotiation and resistance that comes when it feels like an imposition. Having bright, fun swimwear that kids actually want to wear is one of the simplest ways to make the slip part of sun safety non-negotiable.
