Maybe look at it that busybody guy had the effect of making you wonder. No clue about the pond ecosystem, but you wouldn't be alone trying to make a difference if you were snorkeling coral. It's become quite the thing to be "sunscreen conscious" for snorkelers.
I guess people feel that Maui and Kona snorkel spots tend to get a sunscreen film on them .. before sunscreen it was tanning oil ...
anyway, there are alternative formulations that are less harmful.
Ahalanui -- bath for the unwashed -- ugh.
Yep, sunscreen would be way down there on my concerns about the water there.
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Agree with Kathy. We always use the coral-safe sunscreen, even though it can be ridiculously expensive. I'd worry more about the quality of the water from little kids swimming there without diapers!
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Until we moved, I did research diving, sometimes on very isolated reefs.
It is best, if you use sunscreen, to put it on at least 15 minutes PRIOR to sun exposure (for most of us, that would be before you leave home).
Best to use water resist sunscreen if you want water protection. If you are using water resist, when you get to an aquatic habitat area, shower off (if at an area without a shower, pack a water bottle to rinse (something you should have on exit anyhoo, just pack another for before...)
If this is too much of a bother, many divers & watermen use UV protecting suits & shirts.... these can be swimsuit thin, or can have some warming fleece, or even more protecting neoprene....
Showering off before (& after) will help remove those ucky things from your skin.
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I did metion to the guy that I'd gotten the sunscreen from the Natch (as if maybe it would not be so harmful a product), but he rolled his eyeballs at that. I read the labels but have not found any "coral safe" or "biodegradable" sunscreens. I'd definitely pay a bit more for them if anyone knows of a brand. Wearing a hat, and even a long sleeved shirt, is not a bad idea, although, as mentioned, I'd make very little difference as one person. Ironically, I've always hated and dissed sunscreen (they may be very harmful to the skin in the long term - the results are not in on that issue yet) but I have been strongly advised to use it based on some skin lesions. So...the guy was a bit overbearing but I'm still glad he brought the issue up.
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I would be pleased when anyone shows concern for the environment. Many people, especially from the mainland and I am one, are not used to having strangers speak to them at all so people talking to people is for me a comfort zone. Better than sink eye without knowing why.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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quote:
Originally posted by Erlinda
Agree with Kathy. We always use the coral-safe sunscreen, even though it can be ridiculously expensive. I'd worry more about the quality of the water from little kids swimming there without diapers!
What kind do you use and where can I get some?
Thanks
hawaiideborah
Second that ...Dubiously waiting to hear about "coral safe sunscreen"
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The fact that there are so many people using the pool during the week automatically degrades what ever ecology is in effect (i.e. young children and people who don't shower) plus the pool is untreated.
I would worry more about going into the water and it affecting your ecology. Definitely don't go in if you have any open sores or cuts. If you are really sensitive to the sun I would suggest using the pool during the early morning hours or late afernoon when the suns rays are not hitting the water and save the sun screen for the rest of the day.
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I agree about using the time of day as a sunscreen, anytime within 3 hours of sunrise / sunset is safe even for my pasty white skin without chemical magic creams.
As to the "ecosystem" - even if it is a manmade swimming pool, there are lots of living creatures in there, and it's a shame to give them the old BP/Valdez challenge if you don't have to.
