21 November 2019
Swimming WA CEO, Darren Beazley shares some important tips leading into summer.
The SunSmart message:
- Being SunSmart is not about avoiding the sun, it’s about being Smart while you are outside.
- Reducing sun exposure to our skin is the best way to avoid skin cancer.
- There are 5 ways to be SunSmart. We should do as many of these as possible when the UV Index is 3 or higher.
- Slip-on long clothing.
- Slop on 30+ sunscreen.
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat.
- Seek Shade.
- Slide on Sunglasses.
Top Tips for a SunSmart swim meet :
- Where possible, use an indoor pool.
- If a meet is held outdoors, aim to make it a twilight meet.
- If a meet is held outdoors during the day, then having enough high-quality shade for the expected crowd is absolutely vital. People cannot bring their own shade as a rule. Organisers must supply this. A shaded pool is also a great choice if you can get one.
- Do everything possible to ensure that swimmers and officials are not left in the sun for extended periods such as at presentation ceremonies, or waiting on the blocks while technical issues are sorted.
- Have enough sunscreen on hand and remind everyone to reapply every 2 hours - more often if they are swimming and towel drying themselves repeatedly.
- Ensure that only broad-brimmed hats are used by officials. Caps are not sun protective.
- Rotate officials out of the sun regularly and ensure that they are dressed in long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Understand that UV will reflect off concrete pool surrounds and the surface of the water. If possible, seat the spectators so they are not looking into the sun.
- Remind people before the event that they will need to bring their own sun protection on the day
