No, water does not completely stop UV radiation.
While water offers some protection from UV rays, it's not complete protection. According to research, even a few feet of water doesn't block all UV radiation:
- Limited UV Blocking: Three feet of water only blocks about 20% of UV rays.
This means that UV rays can still penetrate the water and potentially cause sun damage.
The Extent of UV Protection in Water
Here is a breakdown of UV ray penetration in water:
Water Depth | UV Ray Blockage |
---|---|
3 feet | ~20% |
Important Considerations
- Sunscreen is Still Important: Even when swimming or in the water, it's crucial to wear sunscreen.
- Cloudy Days: UV rays can still reach the Earth's surface, even on cloudy days. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds.