This is arguably the most essential product you can buy. I'm talking about sun tan lotion, or sun block.
You can use this gallon jug.
You can also use this.
Integrating Sunscreen into Your Daily Routine
I suggest making it mandatory for all swim instructors to wear lotion before they start their first lesson. When they're done teaching each class, they should get out of the pool, talk to parents, dry off, and lube up with sun tan lotion again.
This is the number one best thing you can do (aside from not going outside) to protect your exposed skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Put your sun tan lotion on often!
Recommended Reapply Rate: Once every hour if you're in the water.
To creatively make sure your staff is wearing sunscreen, bake it into your routines and culture. Here are a few ideas:
Put the sunscreen on together before your first lesson after your daily meeting/debrief.Offer 45-minute swim lessons starting on the hour. After each class, have a 15-minute break, and at the :55 mark, get together for a group sun screen circle making sure to get everyone else's shoulders and back. Use the pump lotion or the spray-on. Make sure you're dry so it stays connected to the skin.
Rash Guards: Physical Barriers
You can check these out: <a href="https://amzn.to/2udnhnp">https://amzn.to/2udnhnp</a>, but I recommend going to swim outlet for something more like these: <a href="https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/dolfin-lifeguard-mens-long-sleeve-rashguard-8174189/?color=50448">https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/dolfin-lifeguard-mens-long-sleeve-rashguard-8174189/?color=50448</a>
Wearing rash guards helps cover more skin while still providing mobility and comfort. They are effective because the fabric physically blocks the sun's rays. While these should be encouraged, consider making them optional for your staff and covering the cost if they're used. I don't have a good recommendation to get teenagers to wear these, but if you do, please comment? Maybe an end-of-the-year bonus if they buy one and use it daily?
Hats and Head Protection
We had these type of hats available to us when I taught swim lessons, but very few people wore them. They looked weird, and only the most confident, most bold were willing to wear them. <a href="https://amzn.to/2J5dQvw">https://amzn.to/2J5dQvw</a> At the time, that was not me.
You can wear these hats to protect your face and head from the damaging effects of the sun while you're teaching swimming lessons. Pair this with good sunglasses, and you have total protection for your eyes and head.
Strategic Timing: Changing Lesson Slots
The worst time to be under the sun uncovered is between 10 am and 4 pm. The absolute worst time is between 11 am and 2 pm.
Consider changing your swim lessons to be earlier in the morning (done by 11 am) and later in the evening (starting at 4 pm). This way, your staff misses out on the worst of the sun. Your swimmers, often children, will benefit too from the decreased intensity of the sun. While it might be a little colder, or cloudier, or uncomfortable, you'll be protected, and you'll be doing right by your teenage staff (like me) who will resist wearing sunscreen.
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