UV warning system safeguards swimmers from sun burns in Saarbrücken's outdoor pools
Saarbrücken, the state capital of Saarland, has taken a significant step towards protecting its residents and visitors from the harmful effects of sunlight. The city has introduced a UV warning system in its public baths, aiming to raise awareness of sun protection and contribute to health prevention.
Gabriele Scharenberg-Fischer, responsible for Saarbrücken's baths, has warned about the health risks of sunlight. She explains that the sign provides tips for high-dose sunscreen, appropriate clothing, and using shady areas. These recommendations are based on the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The UV warning system is designed to better protect bathers from the health risks of sunlight. It operates in real-time, measuring the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and displaying warnings or color-coded alerts to bathers when UV levels reach harmful thresholds. The system is operational in the combined baths of Altenkessel and Fechingen, the outdoor pool in Dudweiler, and the Totobad.
The sign at the outdoor pools displays the daily peak value of UV exposure in Saarbrücken. An integrated QR code on the sign allows bathers to access the current UV index value and further information on their smartphones. The system is part of the nationwide project "WATCH OUT".
Studies show that the number of hospital treatments due to skin cancer has increased by 87.5 percent over the last two decades. Ultraviolet rays, specifically short UV rays, are invisible to humans but dangerous, according to Scharenberg-Fischer. She emphasises the importance of the UV warning system in promoting sun safety and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Visitors can obtain further information from the information offers at the baths and on the website of the state capital Saarbrücken. The warning system is based on the internationally recognised UV index, a scale of one to eleven indicating the current strength of ultraviolet radiation. The WHO proposes appropriate protective measures for each risk level.
By implementing this UV warning system, Saarbrücken is leading the way in sun safety and health prevention. The system serves as a reminder for all to take sun protection seriously and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
The UV warning system in Saarbrücken's baths, part of the nationwide project "WATCH OUT", is based on the internationally recognized UV index. This system, which measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, gives real-time warnings or color-coded alerts to help prevent health risks associated with sunlight, notably skin cancer.
Gabriele Scharenberg-Fischer, responsible for Saarbrücken's baths, emphasises the importance of this system in promoting sun safety and reducing the risk of skin cancer, as supported by the World Health Organization's guidelines on health-and-wellness and skin-care.
