‘Fess up: Do you wear sunscreen?

Beaches are open this weekend and the forecast spells sunshine, so health experts say it’s time to think about water and skin safety. “One wave can create a tragedy,” warns Chris Boyd, assistant health commissioner for environmental sciences at the Health Department.The agency, which tests New York beach water for pollution, cleared them for swimming this weekend, but here are experts tips for staying safe.RED MEANS STOPRed flags near the lifeguard stand indicate the water is too rough for swimming.KNEE DEEP IS TOO DEEPIf a child isn’t a good swimmer, don’t let the water go above their knees in the water.BOOZE AND SWIMMING DON’T MIXAlcohol is a leading cause of drowningsKEEP YOUR EYES ON KIDS AT ALL TIMESIt only takes 30 seconds for a child to fall into a drowning state, said Boyd who suggest designating someone to watch the kids in the water.DON’T FIGHT A RIP CURRENTInstead, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current and if you can’t escape float and tread water or wave for help, the Parks Department advises. CALL 311 BEFORE HEADING TO THE SHOREThe all-purpose hotline can point you to wave conditions and pending storms, or they can be found at www.nyc.gov/health, said Boyd.SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREENSlather on sunscreen that is SPF 15 and higher, skip rays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wear a hat with a 3-inch brim to avoid burning, according to Roya Samuels, a pediatrician at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, L.I.DON’T RELY ON FLOATIESThey give a false sense of security but they aren’t buoyant enough to carry a child on their own, so doctors advise parents to use a life vest.Boyd said, “Our main message to everyone is the [beach] water is safe, it’s good to get in, just take proper precautions.”

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