Lubbock Summer Pro Tip: Apply Sunscreen Before You Start Boozin’!

Hey, Lubbock—summer will be here before you know it, and you know what that means: backyard BBQs, lake days at Buffalo Springs, pool parties at your cousin’s house, and sunburns that’ll make you question your life choices.

But here's your official West Texas Summer Survival Tip—put on sunscreen BEFORE you start popping Fireball shots!

The Study

Seems simple, right? But a new study out of Florida Atlantic University found that a good ol’ buzz can lead to a BAD ol’ burn. Researchers talked to folks who’d recently gotten sunburned, and guess what? About 1 in 5 admitted they’d been drinking. And not like “two sips of sangria” drinking—we’re talkin’ Lubbock lake day drinking!

"Lubbock lake day drinking" is something I'm quite familiar with as I reside at Buffalo Lake. Trust me, I've seen my fair share of boozed up people wandering around with HORRENDOUS sunburns!

The science?

Well, it’s not exactly rocket surgery. When you’re tipsy, you're less likely to remember to apply sunscreen, more likely to misjudge how long you’ve been in the sun, and yes—more likely to fall asleep in the sun (shoutout to all my friends who've woken up looking like a boiled crawfish).

Even worse?

43% of the people surveyed were multitasking when the sunburn happened. That means they were swimming, drinking, playing volleyball, grilling burgers, watching the kids, or all of the above—without reapplying.

Other hot zones for unintentional sun-roasting?

• Working outside (11%)

• Swimming (10%)

• Exercising (7%)

So whether you're floating the lazy river or knocking back a few Shiners at your neighbor's above ground pool, rub it in BEFORE you turn up. Your skin (and your dermatologist) will thank you.

Stay sun-safe, Lubbock. And if you do get toasted... well, at least you’ll know better next time!