Bec and Asa from Drive talked to Dr. Kelsie Prabawa-Sear from Nature Play WA about safe play during peak UV and hot periods.
WA Heat
Hot weather can make families hesitant to head outdoors, but with the right planning, nature play can still happen safely. Playing early in the day, seeking shade and using water-based play are simple ways to keep kids cool. Staying connected to outdoor play during warmer months supports physical health and mental wellbeing.
A reality for a lot of families in WA, is a hot run of days and as a parent, Dr. Kelsie completely empathises.
“Even when it’s not hot, it can be really high UV, which is another thing to think about.”
She said the best trick is to get out early, or even in the late afternoon and into the nighttime.
“Especially over the summer period,” she said. “It’s a beautiful time to be outside with your kids. And for a lot of us that have little kids, it’s early starts anyway. You may as well go outside and get your running happening, your big movement, your fun play before it gets stinking hot.”
Kelsie said the later hours work bell for older kids, because the sun is still up but may be a better time of day to get fresh air and exercise.
“So that’s a great time to be out and about, down the beach, down the river, at the park, riding bikes, making the most of this beautiful weather we have at the either end of peak heat.”
Stay in the Shade
“If you’re lucky enough to live in a suburb that’s got some good trees and good shade, then life’s good,” she said. “But if you’re in an area that doesn’t have a lot of shade, then yet you kind of got to go to shady parks and waterways.”
Play in WA Directory
Kelsie said the Play in WA directory has a lot of shady spots featured, where you can search for places with water and look at playgrounds closer to the coast that offer a sea breeze.”
UV and Heat
Dr. Kelsie said that people often associate the two but they are seperate things.
“Peak UV is at midday, regardless of the weather, that’s the peak UV. And you can very easily find out what the UV rating is via phones and apps.
She said that UV is not a problem first thing in the morning and it is actually a good opportunity for kids to get vitamin D.
“It’s just win-win all around, and you know middle of the day’s always going to be peak UV, so that’s a good time to stay out of the sun.”
Head to Nature Play WA’s Website to use the directory.
Check out the full chat with Dr. Kelsie Prabawa-Sear below.