Do the sun's tanning rays penetrate water and to what degree? ?

Question

Do the sun's tanning rays penetrate water and to what degree? ?

Answer 1

UV light (tanning rays), is mainly reflected by water. But some does penetrate, but you are unlikely to feel or see any effect of this as the water will absorb it and has a high specific heat capacity.

So in a nutshell, the majority of UV rays are reflected.

Some is absorbed and heats the water.

An almost insignificant amount is transmitted.

Answer 2

Yes. The sun's rays do penetrate water, but each color penetrates to a different extent. The more energetic colors penetrate deeper, while the longer wavelengths peter out at shallower depths.

Red light is absorbed within 15 to 20 feet, while blue light will make it down as far as 200 feet or more, depending on the clarity and turbidity of the water.

Violet light rays lose their punch quicker than blue rays, so if this trend continues, ultraviolet light might not penetrate as far. If ultraviolet light is responsible for tanning, then the tanning depth would be shallower.

Snorklers near the surface need to practice caution, as they are prone to burn. They should wear a t-shirt or dive skin, or wear waterproof sunblock.

Answer 3

I don't have any numbers for you, but from my own experience if your in the watter at shoulder level for a few hours without sunscreen then only what is out of the water, and maybe half an inch or so more will get burnt. Though I usually swim in a lake, so I'm not certain about swimming pools as the water is much clearer