2006-06-16 05:10:13 · 14 answers · asked by desertyeti2000 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
You definitely can. Don't be fooled by the perceived wisdom that water filters (or magnifies) the effect. Water does progressively filter out light the deeper you go, but it is ultraviolet light that causes sunburn and water filters out from the infra-red end of the light spectrum first.
Obviously the water will slightly reduce the effect of UV rays, but not enough to make much of a difference, unless you are DEEP underwater. Worse, the cooling effect of water will mean you won't notice you are burning.
Tips:
1) wear water-resistant sun cream and reapply more frequently than usual
2) if you are spending long in the water in the sun, try and cover up as much as possible (eg longer shorts, t-shirt, etc).
Tips from painful experience, believe me!
2006-06-16 05:20:31 · answer #1 · answered by izzieere 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Since your question stipulates *under water*, then yes, but depending on the depth.
Almost all UV capable of penetrating the atmosphere and not reflected from the water surface will be absorbed in the top few meters. The shortest, most damaging wavelengths will be absorbed first.
As the sun angle decreases, more and more is reflected from the surface.
Remember though...if when swimming, you're usually right at the surface. Wear your sunscreen.
2006-06-16 05:39:42 · answer #2 · answered by Ethan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I did in 1997 despite having factor 50 cream on. Then again I was snorkeling for around 5 hours in the Caribbean.
The water actually magnifies the suns rays.
2006-06-16 05:14:47 · answer #3 · answered by sirdaz_uk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no but when you go out of the water the sun does. But underwater you cant hold your breath long enough to not get sunburn. Use a sunscreen.
2006-06-16 05:13:31 · answer #4 · answered by KEMC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you can - and i have done when scuba diving
its because the albedo of water (how great a proportion of sunlight is reflected back to the atmosphere) is about 2-3% ie only this much is reflected back (as a comparison, the albedo of thin clouds is about 30%)
2006-06-17 01:42:54 · answer #5 · answered by sara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It's actually worse than on land because the water reflects the sunlight.
2006-06-16 05:13:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes! It can also be difficult to find waterproof sunscreen. When I was swimming all the time, we used Bullfrog to help keep from burning.
2006-06-16 05:16:34 · answer #7 · answered by Kylie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes,especially if you don't swim and just stand in the pool.
2006-06-16 05:12:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
of course. Unless you go down deep enough where you no longer see light
2006-06-16 05:13:16 · answer #9 · answered by dch921 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-06-16 05:12:28 · answer #10 · answered by ash 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋