As anyone who works outside knows; sun safety and hydration are no joke. Here on the Sunshine Coast we are exposed to long, drawn-out and hot summers. Even a shady tree can’t offer much in the way of a reprieve from the heat during our hottest months, and that’s saying something!
There have been days when even we, as outdoor equipment specialists, have to find shelter in air-conditioned cars, or even inside the Sunshine Coast Mowers stores at Mooloolaba or Caloundra... don’t worry, we don’t mind you having a browse through our air-conditioned stores!
But being smart around the sun doesn’t always mean finding shelter, you can keep safe from the heat while gardening by following some simple sun safety rules.
Here are our five rules to stay safe from the sun while gardening.
Rule 1. Wear the correct sun safety gear.
Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers and a broad-brimmed hat. Sunshine Coast Mowers stock a wide range of clothing, including brands such as Clogger, John Deere and Stihl.
Rule 2. Always apply SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen to unprotected skin 20 minutes before going outside, and reapply regularly. Waterproof sunscreen is also a good idea, especially if you sweat a lot.
Rule 3. Wear wraparound sunglasses.
Ultraviolet radiation can cause temporary blindness and an increased risk of cataracts, which sounds extreme but for us gardeners, it’s a fact we need to consider when working outside.
Here at Sunshine Coast Mowers, we stock Sthil sunglasses, which are sporty and functional. They have 100% UV protection, light transmission protection level 3.
Rule 4. Garden in the shade.
It goes without saying that gardening in the shade will save you from some of the sun’s direct heat. Remember to keep hydrated while working in the shade as this is the perfect time to boost your water intake.
Rule 5. Avoid gardening during the hottest part of the day.
This is usually about 10am to 2pm, or 3pm if it’s peak summer. If you garden in the early morning or late afternoon then you will avoid the hottest part of the day.