This summer has already served up some stifling hot days, and people are turning to the pool to cool down.

The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll is reminding people to be safe in the sun this summer.

The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County, Inc. is an affiliate of Carroll Hospital Center and the Carroll County Health Department.

On Thursdays from June 14 to July 26, Westminster Municipal pool users will be greeted not just by brightly colored flags, new playground material, and crystal clear water; they will also be welcomed by The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County’s Sun Safety display.

With a higher-than-state-average in incidence of skin cancer, The Partnership says sun safety is a primary concern for our community.

The annual incidence rate for melanoma in the the state of Maryland from 2005-2009 is 21.1 (per 100,000 people). The rate for Carroll County is 30.1.

Sun damage causes wrinkles, spotting, burns, and can also lead to skin cancer.

Erin Laird, University of Maryland intern with the Carroll County Health Department and volunteer for Safer in the Shade, states “I think it’s very important that we reach kids throughout the summer, when they are actively playing and exposing their skin to the sun and water.”  

The Partnership aims to have families take at least two of five sun safety precautions:

• Apply sunscreen
• Stay in the shade
• Cover exposed skin
• Wear a hat
• Wear sunglasses.