Would you put suncream on a strangers back?

[UpUpUpU]

Just that!

I am doing an open water swim tomorrow. The forecast here is 32 and sunshine. I will do my best to suncream my back but the reality is I’ll be swimming for around 2 hours with my back exposed.

it’s a proper swimming venue, very friendly etc. Will it be completely weird to ask a stranger to out sun cream in me?! I would do it for someone else but don’t want to assume and look a complete idiot!

Or if anyone has any suggestions to get my whole back covered, I’d be grateful!

Thank you in advance.

I'm guessing you don't have a rashie? Can you borrow one? I wouldn't ask and I'd rather not do it to a stranger. A rashie has better protection.

I think this is a good idea so someone who's comfortable with it can volunteer. Stranger of the same sex as me would be fine. I wouldn't do it for a man. .

yuk

Two hours is a long time in the sun even with sunscreen. Invest in a good long sleeved UV rash vest

My dh uses a radiator paint roller if I’m away. 😂
Works for him. We have a v. large garden and he mows the grass shirtless when it’s hot.

After 2 years running getting burned on a solo day out to Jersey beach (I think the uv rays are very strong there), I bit the bullet and asked a stranger for help. But I did get the spray on, so it wasn't too awkward.

I had this quandary last week as I was on a solo holiday to Spain so no one to ask. I pondered asking a stranger but decided against it so just kept my t short on. Not an option for swimming sadly!

I'd have no issue asking and/or helping a stranger in any Situation tbh

Yes I would and also have. A woman asked me to do it on a beach in Spain.Id happily do it again. I also asked someone tondo it for me when I was solo travelling- no problem

It's a small thing to ask and could help someone avoid serious pain in the short term and potentially cancer later on

It's hardly an intimate massage.

If we are serious as a society about preventing cancer then it's timentonget over the squeamish attitude prevailing on this thread and get on with it - dont forget that sun screen wears off after a bit and a person alone may have two options.. suffer sun burn or ask for help.

Get over yourselves

@garlictwist believe me I've burnt through a t shirt. Easily done although I have very light skin and have ended up almost incapable of moving because of sunburn which perhaps colours my attitude on the matter.

I failed a manager's H&S test at work once as I couldn't bring myself to put a suited-and-booted chap from Accounts into the recovery position - I half-heartedly plucked at his sleeve but couldn't bring myself to actually touch this stranger's body, even through clothes. Sun cream on the back of a like-minded swimmer? Yes, probably but would need to get the grease off my hands afterwards.

I second the suggestion of a rash top. Sunscreen is not effective for 2 hours without reapplication, and spray on is even less effective.

I just realised you will be in the water for 2 hours. Definitely need a rash top.

I think the people who say yuk probably wouldn't be open water swinning anyway, so don't let them put you off. You're almost guaranteed to flash someone wrestling in and out of a sports swimsuit or bikini and wetsuit, plus you're swimming through fish (and everything else!) pee. It's not an activity for the squeamish.

We help each other get in and out of running bras, wetsuits, treat jellyfish stings, smear vaseline in fairly private places and definitely suncream each other enthusiastically.

In this weather I'd wear a rash vest and not have to worry about the suncream.

Thank you all. Don’t like wearing a rash vest so don’t own one.
Im quite friendly with my female neighbour so may ask her to load me up before I go!

I don’t have a hairy or scabby/spotty back that I am aware of 😂😂

Put your suncream on before you go out