The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone to enjoy the festivities safely and responsibly this bank holiday weekend. Whether you’re attending a parade, an eleventh night bonfire or spending time with friends and family, taking a few simple precautions can help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. 

With high temperatures forecast for the coming days across the PHA is urging people to be UV aware, take steps to protect themselves from the sun and look out for vulnerable and older people.

There are a number of simple steps that will help protect against the sun’s harmful rays, particularly when the UV index is 3 or more and even when it’s cool or cloudy:

• Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are strongest.
• Cover up with suitable clothing.
• Wear a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
• Buy sunglasses that have a CE mark or carry British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1.
• Stay hydrated and drink cold drinks regularly, such as water.
• Use sunscreen on exposed skin; an SPF of at least 30 and UVA 4/5 stars as recommended by the Department of Health and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
• Babies under six months should stay out of direct sunlight. If exposure to sunlight is unavoidable, apply a small amount of high protection sunscreen to exposed areas, such as the cheeks and back of the hands. For children over six months choose SPF 30 or SPF 50 to protect against UVB rays and minimum UVA 4 stars. Higher SPF will give more protection.
• Avoid sunburn by never allowing your skin to go pink or red in the sun. Sunburn doesn’t have to be raw, peeling or blistering skin; for people with darker skin, it might feel tender, irritated or itchy.
• Choose and use the correct amount of sunscreen – an adult needs six teaspoons distributed evenly on the body with an SPF of at least 30 and UVA 4 or 5 stars.

If you choose to drink alcohol, make sure you know your limits. Keep an eye on your drinking by making a sensible plan and sticking to it and remember that alcohol carries serious risks both to safety and to health.

Stephanie Hanlon, Regional Lead for Substance Use at the PHA, said: “Many people will be making plans to meet up with their friends and family to celebrate over the bank holiday weekend. We are encouraging them to keep an eye on their alcohol intake should they choose to drink. 

“It’s easy to forget that alcohol is a powerful drug that can have significant effects on the body. By setting a plan, you can avoid drinking too much which has been shown to have adverse effects on our health and safety. It can cause damage to the liver, heart, brain and stomach and over-indulging in alcohol can also affect relationships and spoil the holiday for you, your family and friends. 

“Remember, you don’t need alcohol to have a good time, but if you do decide to drink, know your limits and support your friends and family to know their limits too.

“It can be difficult when you feel under pressure in a group to have ‘just one more’ but keep an eye on what you’re drinking, let others know that you’re sticking to it and that can help. 

“It’s also important to remember that mixing any drugs, which includes alcohol with other drugs is toxic and can be dangerous. If you or one of your friends have taken any drugs and feel unwell, don’t wait, get help.”

If you do decide to drink alcohol over the Twelfth bank holiday weekend, try to follow these simple tips to stay safe:

• Set a drink limit: set a reasonable alcohol limit – taking note of the guidelines at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/alcohol-units
• Eat before you drink: eat a substantial meal before drinking can slow alcohol absorption - eating is not cheating! Find meal planning tips at www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com  
• Stay hydrated: prioritise water intake for overall health during celebrations.  
• Raise a glass, not a gallon: indulge in drinks moderately and try zero or low-alcohol options.
• Mingle and move: dancing and chatting may slow down your alcohol intake.
• Get home safe: arrange transport before you go out, for a safe journey home.
• If a friend does drink too much, don't leave them alone or let them wander off, encourage them to re-hydrate with non-alcoholic drinks, stick together and plan how to get home in advance.

By making sensible choices and looking out for one another, we can all help make this year’s Twelfth celebrations safe, enjoyable and memorable for the right reasons.