July is UV Safety Awareness month, the time to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays while you still enjoy time spent outdoors.

 

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region provides the 5 S’s of sun protection.

 

“Slip on protective clothing, slop on some sunscreen  - so SPF 30 or higher, a broad spectrum water-resistant sunscreen - slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek some shade, especially during the peak sun hours, and slide on some sunglasses.”

 

Wraparound sunglasses are best to protect your eyes and the surrounding skin.

 

With the extra hours of sunlight, be sure to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you’ve spent some time in the water.

 

Also, whether you’re fishing, boating or swimming, any activity that takes you near or on the water comes with risks, so be prepared.

 

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region has some tips to help you with that.

“Have your life jackets on when you’re around the water.  If you’re swimming and other kids are swimming, keep an eye on each other.   If you’re going to be out on the water boating, let someone know where you are.   

The other one in the boat, make sure you designate a co-captain so you’ve got someone else in the boat who knows how to drive the boat and knows where you’re going and how to get home.”

Always carry an emergency kit with you,  along with extra food and water.

 

And, of course, avoid drinking and boating.

 

In Manitoba, there is no difference between driving under the influence and boating under the influence, with penalties the same for both.

 

On your first offence you face a minimum fine of $1,000 and with a second offence, you run the risk of serving jail time as well.