July 29, 2016

Swim and Sun Safely At the Beach or Pool With Tips From Amica

READ TIME: 2 MIN.

Summer is the perfect time to be outside, whether it's heading to the beach, having a cookout or simply sitting by the pool. But it's important to consider sun safety, and Amica Insurance is sharing some tips to help keep you and your family protected.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UV rays can damage skin in as little as 15 minutes. Amica is offering the following tips from the CDC:

  • Seek shade under an umbrella, tree or other shelter whenever you need relief from the sun.
  • When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts for extra protection from UV rays. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric provide the best protection.
  • Wear a hat with a brim that shades the face, ears and back of the neck.
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also help protect the tender skin around the eyes.
  • Put on sunscreen with at least SPF 15 before going outside, even if it's slightly cloudy or cool. Be sure to put a thick layer on any exposed skin, and get help for hard-to-reach places like your back.

    And as days get longer and the temperature rises, more people will cool off in backyard pools with family and friends. However, it's important to ensure that safety is a priority, so Amica Insurance is sharing some swimming tips.

    According to the American Red Cross, more than 200 children drown in backyard swimming pools each year. That's why Amica is offering the following tips from Pool Safely and the Red Cross:

  • Never leave a child unattended in or near the water.
  • Teach children how to swim.
  • Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
  • Teach children to stay away from drains.
  • Ensure all pools and spas -- both in the backyard and at public places -- have compliant drain covers.
  • Install proper barriers, covers and alarms on and around the pool or spa.
  • Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
  • Know how to perform CPR on children and adults.
  • Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors.

    Amica Mutual Insurance Co., the nation's oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company, based in Lincoln, Rhode Island, is a national writer of auto, home, marine and umbrella insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,400 people in 44 offices across the country.

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