Hot Weather Safety: Sun Protection, Heat Advice and Water Safety Guidance Issued

The HSE, the Department of Health, and two Government ministers have issued a range of public safety advisories as Ireland continues to experience high temperatures and sunny weather, with a Met Éireann Status Yellow warning in place.

Protect Your Skin

The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland are reminding the public to be SunSmart and protect their skin from the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays to help reduce the risk of skin cancer. In Ireland, UV radiation levels can be high enough to damage skin, and the effects of sun exposure are cumulative over a lifetime.

Dr Blaithin Moriarty, Consultant Dermatologist at St Vincent's University Hospital, HSE, said:

"UV radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer, and it doesn't need to be hot or sunny for damage to occur. We regularly see patients who are surprised to learn they have sustained sun damage after spending time outdoors. Protecting your skin - with clothing, shade and sunscreen - is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your long-term health during high temperatures."

The HSE is also sharing the story of skin cancer patient advocate Miriam Staunton, 53, from Dublin, who was diagnosed with advanced melanoma at the age of 45 in 2018.

"Although I didn't have a skin lesion, my melanoma is likely as a result of many sunburns in childhood. I have very fair skin and growing up in the 70s and 80s sunscreen was not really used and sunburns were a very common occurrence. Although I have been mindful of my skin since adulthood, I think a lot of damage took place in my childhood and teens. I am a triathlete and am outdoors a lot, so I make sure to cover up, wear hats and sunscreen. My message to those listening is to above all mind your skin – it's the only one you have. Melanoma is life threatening, and prevention really does save lives."

Miriam's full story can be watched on the HSE NCCP YouTube channel.

The public is encouraged to follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's:

Slip on clothing. Cover skin as much as possible, wear long sleeves.
Slop on sunscreen. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children that has a high UVA protection and is water resistant. Reapply every 2 hours, more frequently after swimming or sweating.
Slap on a wide-brimmed hat. Protect your face, ears and neck. Baseball caps do not provide enough protection.
Seek shade. Especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm, and always use a sunshade on a child's buggy. Keep babies out of direct sunlight.
Slide on sunglasses. Guard your eyes from harm by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.

It is also important not to deliberately try to get a suntan; tanned skin is damaged skin. People are advised to avoid getting a sunburn and never use a sunbed.

Up to 90% of UV rays can pass through cloud cover, meaning protection is essential regardless of the weather. People often rely on temperature as an indicator of risk, but UV exposure is the real danger; even on overcast days, skin can be damaged without proper protection. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases diagnosed annually, and the number of people being diagnosed continues to rise rapidly.

Dr Breeda Neville, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the HSE National Cancer Prevention Programme, said:

"We want everyone to enjoy the good weather safely. By building sun protection into your routine, just like wearing a seatbelt in the car, you can protect your health now and in the future. Skin damage doesn't just happen on holiday in hot, sunny places. The sun is often strong enough to cause damage here in Ireland, even on cloudy days, so remember to spend time in the shade, cover as much skin as you can with clothing, wear sunglasses and a hat and regularly apply sunscreen on exposed areas."

Further information is available on the HSE SunSmart hub.

Advice for Older People

The Minister for Older People, Kieran O'Donnell TD, has advised older people to avoid direct sunlight and keep hydrated during the hot weather Ireland is currently experiencing.

Reflecting on the weather warning issued by Met Éireann, Minister O'Donnell said: "Ireland is experiencing a week of very high temperatures. Heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can have potentially serious health consequences for people during a heatwave.

"I would urge older people, and those caring for someone, to take precautions to protect themselves such as staying cool and hydrated, and to be on alert for signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration.

It is important to remember that your GP or pharmacist will be able to advise you if any of your medicines might make you more likely to become ill from the heat."

Guidance issued under the Department of Health's 'Be Summer Ready' campaign advises those who are particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat to stay cool by spending time in the coolest part of their home, keeping curtains closed during the day and opening windows at night when it is cooler. Staying hydrated is also essential; people are advised to drink water regularly throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty, to avoid alcohol and to limit caffeine.

Time outdoors should be limited, particularly between 11am and 3pm, with shade sought where possible, and sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30+ for adults applied regularly and liberally. Light, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat should be worn when outside, and cool showers or a damp cloth on the skin can help reduce body temperature.

People should be alert for symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or confusion, which may indicate heat exhaustion, and should seek medical advice if they feel unwell. Staying in touch with family, friends, or neighbours is encouraged, with help sought where needed.

Early intervention is essential if someone becomes unwell due to heat exhaustion, heatstroke or dehydration. People are advised to contact their GP or seek medical attention if they become dizzy, disorientated, have not urinated, or have an increased heart rate. In the event of an emergency, contact the emergency services immediately by calling 112 or 999.

The Department of Health's 'Be Summer Ready' guidance for vulnerable groups is available at gov.ie.

Water Safety

The Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, has urged swimmers, bathers and other water users to take all necessary precautions when in or near water during the current warm weather.

Minister Buttimer said:

"Unfortunately incidences of drowning increase greatly during warm weather. The fine weather attracts people who may not be used to open waters. We have fantastic natural amenities and we want everyone to enjoy them safely. Ireland is currently enjoying warmer weather, however our waterways are still quite cold. Please don't underestimate the risk of cold water or overestimate your ability to swim in cooler open waters that have hidden currents.

I urge everyone to take some basic precautions including staying within their depth; always make sure children are adequately supervised; swim where lifeguards are on duty or in safe swimming areas where ring buoys are present and never use inflatable toys on open water. People should not enter the water after consuming alcohol which is a factor in one third of drownings.

Water Safety Ireland has issued practical advice on how to stay safe near water and on how to save the life of someone who is in difficulty in the water. I urge people to visit www.watersafety.ie for information of the dangers of open water and for advice and tips on how to enjoy the water while staying safe."

Minister Buttimer added:

"Our waters are a wonderful resource but approximately 80 people lost their lives on them in 2025. Every loss of life is a tragedy which can devastate families and loved ones."

Water Safety Ireland provides further guidance at watersafety.ie.