Why Chesapeake and Virginia Beach Are High-Risk UV Areas
Chesapeake and Virginia Beach experience hot, sunny summers that consistently register high UV index readings, often reaching levels classified as “very high” or “extreme” on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) scale. These elevated UV levels are especially concerning during peak summer months when the sun is strongest and outdoor activity is at its highest.
Virginia Beach’s iconic oceanfront draws millions of visitors annually, making it one of the East Coast’s top beach destinations. Locals and tourists alike take full advantage of the area’s natural beauty, participating in activities such as surfing, swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating, all of which involve prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and reflective surfaces. The sand and ocean not only intensify UV radiation but also make it more difficult to escape its effects, even under partial cloud cover.
Meanwhile, Chesapeake’s vast network of parks, greenways, and nature trails promotes a similarly active, outdoor lifestyle. Residents frequently engage in hiking, jogging, sports, and family outings in open, sunlit spaces. In both cities, the long summer daylight hours mean that people are often outside during peak UV radiation times between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. These geographic and lifestyle factors, coupled with the reflective nature of water and light-colored surfaces, significantly amplify the amount of UV radiation individuals absorb. As a result, the risk of sunburn, cumulative skin damage, and skin cancer is much higher, particularly for those who do not consistently use sun protection.
Furthermore, the region’s large military population, outdoor workers, and athletes are frequently exposed to the sun for extended periods, often during the most intense hours of UV radiation. Many military personnel stationed in the area, including those at Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story, engage in outdoor training exercises and duties that leave them vulnerable to cumulative sun damage. Construction workers, landscapers, utility crews, and other laborers who work outside throughout the day have limited access to adequate shade, breaks, or sun-protective gear.
Athletes, from youth sports teams to adult recreational leagues, regularly practice and compete under direct sunlight, sometimes overlooking the importance of sunscreen reapplication. Sun protection may be inconsistent or undervalued, either due to a lack of awareness or the misconception that a tan indicates health or resilience. These factors collectively underscore the urgent need for consistent, targeted public health messaging that resonates with these specific groups.
Employers, schools, and athletic organizations can play a vital role by providing education, enforcing sun safety policies, and supplying resources like sunscreen and protective gear. By integrating UV protection into daily routines and institutional practices, communities can significantly reduce long-term health risks and foster a stronger culture of prevention.
Promoting Awareness and Prevention
During UV Awareness Month, health departments, schools, and organizations across Virginia actively engage in public campaigns to educate communities about the importance of UV safety. The Virginia Department of Health(Opens in a new window) (VDH), in partnership with local governments in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, emphasizes a range of effective prevention strategies to help reduce UV-related health risks. These include using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses, and seeking shade, especially during peak UV hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Public health officials also strongly advise avoiding tanning beds, which emit harmful artificial UV radiation, and encourage regular skin checks to detect early signs of skin changes or potential skin cancer. These practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of sunburn, premature aging, and conditions like melanoma.
In addition to public service announcements, local schools and summer camps have integrated sun safety lessons into their programs. Lifeguards and city workers are often provided with sun protection training and materials, serving as frontline role models for UV safety.
Community Engagement and Resources
Chesapeake and Virginia Beach both participate in community wellness initiatives that support UV awareness. For instance, Virginia Beach has partnered with dermatologists and nonprofit organizations, such as the American Academy of Dermatology(Opens in a new window) (AAD), to offer free skin cancer screenings at local events. The city has also installed sunscreen dispensers at public beaches and parks, a low-cost, high-impact way to encourage sunscreen use.
Chesapeake’s Parks and Recreation(Opens in a new window) Department and Virginia Beach’s Parks and Recreation(Opens in a new window) Department incorporate sun safety into their summer youth programming, promoting shade breaks and hydration alongside physical activity. These local efforts are supported by state and national campaigns that amplify their reach and effectiveness.
Conclusion
National UV Awareness Month serves as a vital platform for educating the public about the serious risks associated with sun exposure and the critical importance of skin cancer prevention. It is a time when individuals, families, and entire communities are encouraged to reflect on their sun safety habits and take proactive steps to protect their health. In high-risk areas like Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, where sun and surf are deeply woven into the region's culture and lifestyle, these awareness efforts are not only relevant but essential.
The unique combination of frequent outdoor activity, high UV index levels, and environmental reflectivity from sand and water makes residents especially vulnerable to harmful UV radiation. However, with consistent messaging and widespread community involvement, that risk can be significantly reduced. By investing in education initiatives, fostering public health partnerships, and promoting responsible personal behaviors such as wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and conducting regular skin checks, local governments and organizations can empower individuals to make safer choices.
Schools, recreational programs, employers, and healthcare providers all play a role in building a culture of UV awareness and prevention. Ultimately, long-term, coordinated efforts will be key to reducing skin cancer rates, minimizing healthcare costs, and preserving the well-being of these vibrant coastal communities for generations to come. National UV Awareness Month is not just a seasonal campaign; it is the foundation for lasting change and healthier, sun-smart living.
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