Spring Sun Safety Checklist: How to Prepare for Sunny Days in Canada

Spring Sun Safety Checklist: How to Prepare for Sunny Days in Canada

As the weather begins to warm across Canada and the mounds of snow slowly melt, you can almost feel it coming — those long, hot summer days on the lake. The docks will be going back in soon, boats will be launching, and families will start spending more time outdoors again.

Spring is the perfect time to prepare for sunny days ahead. A little planning now helps prevent painful sunburns, premature skin aging, and long-term sun damage later in the season.

Here’s a simple Spring Sun Safety Checklist I go through every year so our family is ready to enjoy warm days outside — without worrying about the burn.

1. Check Your Sunscreen Expiration Dates

One of the most overlooked sun safety steps is checking sunscreen expiration dates.

Sunscreen does expire, and once it does, the active ingredients break down and may no longer provide the protection listed on the bottle.

Before the outdoor season begins:

  • Check all sunscreen bottles from last year

  • Replace any that are expired

  • Keep a bottle somewhere easy to grab, like near the front door or in your beach bag

Having sunscreen readily available makes it far easier to remember to apply it before heading outside.

2. Make Sure Your Sunscreen Is Broad Spectrum

Not all sunscreen protects your skin the same way.

Look for sunscreen labelled Broad Spectrum, which means it protects against both major types of ultraviolet rays:

  • UVA rays – responsible for premature aging and long-term skin damage, can cause skin cancer

  • UVB rays – the rays that cause painful sunburns, play a larger role in skin cancer

Both types contribute to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer, so broad spectrum protection is essential for proper sun safety.

3. Add UPF Clothing to Your Outdoor Routine

One of the easiest ways to protect your skin from the sun is by wearing UPF clothing.

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing is designed to block harmful UV rays and provides consistent protection without needing to be reapplied like sunscreen.

Lightweight Sun Safe activewear hoodies or crewneck shirts are perfect for everyday outdoor activities like:

  • Walking the dog

  • Gardening

  • Kayaking

  • Fishing

  • Playing with kids outside

  • Spending time at the cottage

These shirts are breathable, comfortable, and offer UPF 50+ protection, blocking up to 98% of harmful UV rays.

Once people start wearing sun protective clothing regularly, it often becomes their favourite go-to layer for outdoor activities.

4. Check if Kids Have Outgrown Their Sun Protective Clothing

Kids grow quickly, and spring is a great time to check whether their UPF swimwear or sun protective clothing still fits.

Many parents find it helpful to:

  • Try on last year’s baby sun suits, kids shirts and shorts 

  • Replace anything that’s become too small

  • Consider sizing up to last the entire season

High-quality sun protective clothing is designed to last longer and handle multiple seasons of outdoor play, which is especially helpful for families spending lots of time at the lake, pool, or beach. The best part about Sun Safe fabric - it's natural UPF 50+ protection - no chemicals that will wash out after repeated use. 

5. Check Your Sunglasses

Sun protection isn’t just about your skin — your eyes need protection too.

Before summer arrives, check your sunglasses and ask yourself:

  • Are the lenses scratched?

  • Did they spend the winter in the car?

  • Is the lens coating peeling?

Damaged lenses may reduce UV protection and make bright sunlight harder on your eyes.

Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection to properly protect your eyes from harmful rays. Many outdoor enthusiasts recommend brands like Maui Jim, known for their high-quality lenses and exceptional glare protection because they are polarized.

Start Your Sun Safety Habits in Spring

Sun safety habits don’t form overnight. Studies show it can take weeks or even months to build consistent routines.

Starting in spring gives you time to develop simple habits like:

  • Applying sunscreen before leaving the house

  • Wearing UPF clothing during outdoor activities

  • Keeping sun protection essentials ready by the door

By the time summer arrives, these habits will feel natural.

And when those long, beautiful days at the cottage finally return, you can focus on what really matters — enjoying the sunshine and making memories safely.

Sun Safety Tip:
Consistent protection from both sunscreen and UPF clothing is one of the most effective ways to reduce sunburns, skin damage, and long-term skin health risks while enjoying the outdoors.