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As hot as Cyprus! Bognor sun-seekers warned of weekend heatwave perils caused by high UV levels

Bognor is set to bask in a heatwave at the weekend. But sun-seekers and beach-goers have been warned to stay out of the rays, which will make the resort as hot as Cyprus.

People will flock to the beach when the hot weather arrives and temperatures will rise from 23°c on Saturday and Sunday, with the sizzle-factor soaring to 23°c on Monday and lasting until Tuesday.

And the hot spell has prompted the Met Office and Public Health England have declared a Level 2 heat health alert for the south east, with hot weather forecast to arrive on Sunday, lasting until Tuesday.

But it is not just the heatwave that is a potential hazard, the agencies are warning that we will also have an unusual level of high UV which means that people may experience sunburn considerably quicker than usual – with current UK levels measured being about the same as those recorded in Gibraltar and Cyprus.

Government advice during a heatwave is to:

Stay out of the heat. Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. If you have to go out in the heat, wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection, wear a hat. Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. This should minimise the risk of sunburn.

Avoid extreme physical exertion. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, such as sport, DIY or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day – for example, in the early morning or evening.

Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine or drinks high in sugar. If drinking fruit juice, dilute it with water. Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content. and when travelling ensure you take water with you.

Look out for others: Keep an eye on isolated, older people, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool. Check on older people or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave. Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed.

Children should not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days, such as when temperatures are above 30°C. Ensure that babies, children or older people are not left alone in stationary cars.

Carl Eldridge
Carl Eldridge
Carl Eldridge is a hugely experienced journalist who has worked on local and national newspapers, magazines and written for websites over the past 30 years. He lives in Bognor Regis with his wife and son.