Why is the sun harsher at the beach?
Why is the sun harsher at the beach? Environmental factors like water and sand can also increase your likelihood of sun damage. These surfaces can reflect up to 80 percent of UV radiation, so the sun's rays are hitting you twice.
Why is the sun brighter at the beach?
At the coast the horizon facing the ocean is unobstructed, so a larger part of the sky is visible than inland, where trees, buildings, etc., block the view of the horizon. Also, the horizon sky is brighter than the overhead sky.
Is the sun more powerful at the beach?
AND YES, THE WATER DOES INTENSIFY THE SUN'S RAYS. Not only that, but the sun's rays reflect off of beautiful white sand, too. But this isn't the sole reason why you experience more sun and worse sunburns at the beach. This science, combined with all the factors mentioned above, are to blame.