A new tune will be playing at Bowral pool on Australia Day.
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The Sun Sound program run by Cancer Council NSW aims to ensure teenagers are protected from the sun.
The Sun Sound jingle will be played at more than 100 pool and beach sites across NSW this summer, including Bowral pool on January 26.
Community Programs Coordinator from Cancer Council NSW Southern Region Sally Hudson said this would help reinforce the sun safe message to teenagers and their families.
“We know that sun exposure during the first 15 years of life greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Latest figures show nearly one-in-four Australian adolescents are getting sunburnt on summer weekends,” she said.
“With the upcoming Australia Day festivities teenagers are likely to spend the day at pools and beaches and will be exposed to UV radiation, which is the main cause of skin cancer.”
Ms Hudson said Australia had one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world.
According to the Cancer incidence and mortality: projections 2011 to 2021 Cancer Institute NSW, Sydney: February 2016 it was predicted in South Western Sydney, 383 people would be diagnosed with melanoma in a single year.
“We now know that almost 40 per cent of adolescents forget to take sunscreen with them when heading to the beach or pool so this Australia Day we are encouraging parents to ensure their teenagers have their own small tube of sunscreen to take with them,” Ms Hudson said.
“If we can start at home in making sure that teenagers pack their own sunscreen, sun safe hats, clothing and sunnies, then parents can relax knowing that the Sun Sound will be a friendly reminder for teens to stay protected from the sun at the pool”
The Sun Sound was introduced in 2009 and is a seven second jingle which plays hourly between 11am and 3pm on loud speakers at beaches and pools.
Funds from the Southern Highlands Relay For Life enabled the Sun Sound program to be implemented in the Highlands.
Visit http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-sound/ for more information on Sun Sound
For tips on how to be sun smart visit http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/sun-protection/
Sun Smart Summer Tips
Remember to use a combination of the five sun smart measures. Never just rely on one form of protection.
- Slip on some sun protective clothing - that covers as much skin as possible.
- Slop on at least SPF 30+ broad-spectrum water-resistant 20 minutes before you head out and make sure to take a bottle or tube with you so you can re-apply every two hours.
- Slap on a hat – a wide brimmed hat will protect your face, head, neck and ears. Baseball caps do not provide enough coverage.
- Seek shade
- Slide on some sunglasses - make sure they meet Australian Standards, are close-fitting and cover as much of the eye area as possible.