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International Water Day

Julia W.
18.03.2025

World Water Day and UV Protection for Water Sports
Why Sunscreen Alone Is Not Enough 🌊☀️

Every year on March 22, World Water Day is celebrated to highlight the importance of clean and protected waters. Water is the foundation of life and plays a crucial role in our daily lives – whether as drinking water, for agriculture, or as a natural habitat for many animal and plant species. Water is also essential for sports and recreation, whether swimming, surfing, diving, or sailing. But how can we better protect our oceans, lakes, and rivers? One often overlooked factor is UV protection.

Why Is UV Protection So Important for Water Sports?

Water enhances the effect of UV rays. The reflective surface of the ocean, lake, or pool can significantly increase the intensity of solar radiation, raising the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. People often spend hours in direct sunlight during water sports – frequently without adequate protection.

Sunscreen: An Environmental Risk? 

Sunscreen is widely regarded as the most important protection against sunburn. However, chemical UV filters in conventional sunscreens can be problematic for the environment. Every year, thousands of tons of sunscreen enter our oceans, with significant effects on coral reefs and marine life. Certain ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, can cause coral bleaching and disrupt the delicate ecological balance of marine environments.

Sustainable Alternative: UV Protection Clothing from iQ UV

An eco-friendly and effective alternative is UV protection clothing. It not only provides reliable protection against harmful UV rays but also helps protect the environment. iQ UV protection clothing is specially designed for water sports and offers numerous benefits:

UPF 50+ protection without chemical additives 
Less sunscreen in the water – better for the environment
Breathable, quick-drying materials
Durable and sustainable – made from recycled polyester
Comfortable fit for maximum freedom of movement

Conclusion: Protect Your Skin & Our Waters

World Water Day is not only about using water responsibly but also about how we can protect it. By choosing eco-friendly alternatives like UV protection clothing, we contribute to preserving our waters. This way, water remains not just a place for sports and recreation but also a protected habitat for many species.

Choose sustainable sun protection and discover the environmentally friendly iQ UV collection!

DISCOVER HERE

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Men's hoodie for diving and snorkelling
AQUA
The single-colour UV protection hoodie protects the upper body and head from UV-A and UV-B radiation during all outdoor activities. With its close-fitting cut, the top is suitable for all water sports activities (e.g. snorkelling, swimming and surfing). Even if you stay in the water for longer, you are well protected with the UV protection hoodie. Because with a hood and sun protection factor 50+, UV radiation doesn't stand a chance. And you no longer need to worry about jellyfish when doing water sports. The UV protection material also protects you from their venom. Simply pop the men's UV protection hoodie in the washing machine after sporting activity, as it retains its full sun protection even after repeated washing. Machine washable at 40°C degrees on a gentle cycle, iron at a low temperature, do not tumble dry. Made in Europe from 78% recycled nylon* and 22% elastane (Lycra). (*Econyl® regenerated nylon)

€78.95