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Be Sunsmart
Be SunSmart around the Water
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Many Victorians are overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, particularly when near water. The beach and community or backyard pools are major hot spots for sunburn and skin damage.
Aquatic settings pose a double risk because UV reaches you directly from the sun and reflects off surfaces such as sand, water and concrete.
UV radiation from the sun cannot be seen or felt. UV can be high even on cool and overcast days, so don't rely on clear skies and high temperatures to determine when you need to protect yourself from the sun - Check the SunSmart UV Alert!
SunSmart UV Alert
The SunSmart UV Alert is your daily guide to sun protection - it tells you the times of day sun protection is needed and when it's safe to go without protection to get some UV exposure for Vitamin D.
You can access the SunSmart UV Alert in the weather section of your daily newspaper, sunsmart.com.au, the Bureau of Meteorology or the free SunSmart app for iPhones and Androids.
Never rely on just one form of sun protection, protect yourself in 5 ways:
- Slip on some sun-protective clothing
- Slop on SPF30+ sunscreen - make sure it is broad spectrum and water-resistant. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards
- Slap on a hat - that protects your face, head, neck and ears
- Seek shade
- Slide on some sunglasses - make sure they meet Australian Standards.
For more tips on how to be SunSmart, visit sunsmart.com.au
