Coronavirus: Beachgoers told to avoid public transport

Sun and sea, but what about safety?

People have been urged not to use public transport to get to the beach as temperatures soared for the second day in a row.

Transport for Wales said Wednesday's hot weather saw more people using its services to travel to the coast.

It issued a reminder to only use public transport for essential travel and when there are no other travel alternatives.

"The advice from Welsh government remains [to] stay local and only travel within five miles from home," it said.

A spokesman added: "We know that the good weather is tempting people to visit the beach but this is not essential travel.

"It's fundamental that we keep space on public transport for our key workers."

Wales recorded its hottest day of the year on Thursday.

The temperature reached 30.7C (87.2F) at Gogerddan, near Aberystwyth, beating the previous high of 30C (86F) from Wednesday.

People flocked to the beach in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, on Thursday
Sunseekers flocked to the beach in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, on Thursday

People are being warned to take extra precautions in scorching sunshine - as the UK is being exposed to high levels of UV radiation.

With temperatures forecast to climb to 33C (91.4F) in some parts of the country, the Met Office said UV was a real concern.

On Wednesday, thousands enjoyed the sun at beaches on the hottest day of the year so far, with London hitting 32.6C (90F)

UV rays can cause sunburn and other damage to the skin.

Visitors queued outside a fish and chip shop at Barry
Visitors queued outside a fish and chip shop at Barry
Coney beach
It was also busy at Coney beach in Porthcawl, Bridgend county
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Why is UV dangerous?

Getty Images sun creamGetty Images
UV radiation from the sun is linked to increased skin cancer

UV exposure will not just put you at risk of sunburn.

Excessive UV radiation from the sun is also strongly linked to increased skin cancer cases in fair-skinned populations worldwide - according to the World Health Organization.

The amount of UV reaching your skin is not driven by the daily temperature.

UV levels on a bright and breezy late April day will be about the same as a warm sunny day in August.