Summer volunteering often means time outside: weeding community gardens, staffing information tables at outdoor events, picking up litter in parks or leading kids’ activities. It is rewarding work, but long hours in the July sun can lead to sunburn, heat exhaustion and fatigue that make volunteers less likely to come back.
Sun safety is not just a personal habit. For organizers, it is part of planning a good event. This guide covers sun-smart practices for individual volunteers and for the people who lead them.
Understanding the Sun
The sun’s ultraviolet rays are strongest in the middle of the day, generally from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. UV rays can cause sunburn even on cloudy days and can reflect off water, sand and pavement. Sunburn is uncomfortable in the short term and repeated sun damage over time increases the risk of skin cancer.
Sunscreen Basics
Many health organizations recommend these sunscreen habits:
- Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply generously about 15 minutes before going outside.
- Do not forget easy-to-miss spots: ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, scalp along a part and the backs of hands.
- Reapply about every two hours, and more often after sweating heavily or getting wet.
- Use lip balm with SPF.
Water-resistant sunscreen is helpful for sweaty work, but it still needs to be reapplied.
Dress for Protection
- Wide-brimmed hats shade the face, ears and neck better than baseball caps.
- Lightweight long sleeves and pants in breathable fabrics protect skin without overheating.
- Sunglasses with UV protection shield the eyes.
- Light-colored clothing reflects heat.
Some clothing is labeled with a UPF rating, which indicates sun protection.
Seek and Create Shade
Shade is one of the most effective ways to reduce sun exposure.
- Schedule tasks in shaded areas during peak hours.
- Bring pop-up canopies or umbrellas for tables and rest areas, weighted securely.
- Use trees, buildings and structures as natural shade.
- Rotate volunteers between sunny and shady tasks.
Smart Scheduling
Timing makes a huge difference.
- Start early. Morning projects from 8 to 11 a.m. avoid the most intense sun and heat.
- Or go late. Evening projects from 5 to 7 p.m. are another good option.
- Keep shifts short. Two to three hours is plenty in summer.
- Build in breaks. Plan a shade and water break every 30 to 45 minutes.
- Have a heat plan. On days with extreme heat, reschedule or move indoors.
Hydration Station
Every outdoor project should include easy access to water.
- Provide a large cooler of water and cups, or ask volunteers to bring refillable bottles and a refill station.
- Encourage volunteers to drink before they feel thirsty.
- Offer water-rich snacks like watermelon, oranges and cucumbers.
- Avoid relying on sugary or caffeinated drinks.
Watch for Heat Illness
Sun exposure and heat often go together. Organizers and volunteers should know warning signs.
- Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness. Move to shade, loosen clothing, sip water and rest.
- Heat stroke: confusion, very high body temperature, hot red skin, fast pulse, loss of consciousness. This is an emergency. Call 911 and begin cooling the person.
Assign one person on each project to check in on volunteers regularly.
Supplies Checklist for Organizers
- Sunscreen in a pump or spray bottle to share
- Lip balm with SPF
- A pop-up canopy or umbrellas
- Coolers with water and ice
- Paper cups or a refill station
- Cooling towels or bandanas
- A first aid kit
- A schedule with break times
- A plan and contact for emergencies
Special Considerations
- Kids burn easily and may not notice when they are overheated. Keep their tasks shorter and in the shade.
- Older volunteers may be more vulnerable to heat. Offer seated tasks in the shade.
- People taking certain medications may be more sensitive to sun or heat. Encourage volunteers to know their own limits.
Set the Tone
Organizers can make sun safety a normal part of the volunteer culture.
- Mention sun safety in volunteer sign-up messages.
- Start projects with a quick safety reminder.
- Model good habits: wear a hat, apply sunscreen and take breaks.
- Praise volunteers for taking care of themselves.
A Sample Morning Workday Schedule
Here is how a sun-smart three-hour community garden workday might look.
- 8:00 a.m.: Arrive, apply sunscreen and repellent, and review the plan and safety reminders.
- 8:15 a.m.: Heavier tasks like weeding and moving mulch while it is coolest.
- 8:45 a.m.: Water and shade break.
- 9:00 a.m.: Planting and watering.
- 9:30 a.m.: Water break and sunscreen reapplication check.
- 9:45 a.m.: Lighter tasks like harvesting, tidying tools and sorting supplies, ideally in shade.
- 10:30 a.m.: Snack, thank-yous and wrap-up.
- 11:00 a.m.: Done before peak sun.
Common Sun Myths
- “Cloudy days are safe.” UV rays can pass through clouds.
- “Darker skin does not need sunscreen.” People of all skin tones can experience sun damage.
- “A base tan protects you.” A tan is a sign of skin damage, not protection.
The Payoff
Volunteers who feel good at the end of a project are more likely to return. Sun-smart planning protects health, keeps energy high and makes outdoor volunteering something people look forward to. A little shade, sunscreen and smart scheduling go a long way toward a successful summer of service.
Quick check: How often should sunscreen generally be reapplied during outdoor work?
- Once in the morning is enough
- About every two hours, and more often after heavy sweating
- Only when skin starts to turn red
Show answer
B. Reapplying about every two hours, and after sweating or getting wet, keeps protection effective.
