British Canoeing is proud to support The Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code,
the first accredited sun protection initiative designed specifically for
outdoor activity leaders. This spring the initiative has launched a new
and improved format which aims to help ‘Blow the Whistle on Sunburn!’
Devised by the Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research
Fund, the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code is partnered with the Youth Sport
Trust, the Association for Physical Education (AfPE), the Child
Protection in Sport Unit and sports coach UK. Following its launch in
2014, the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code has increased its support to over
80 national governing bodies and outdoor activity groups, all of whom
are encouraging their members to sign up and get involved.
On Your Marks…
If you are a club or individual that works with children outdoors, why not get OK accredited? Simply register at
www.oksunsafetycode.com,
read the ‘OK Guidelines’ and then select actions from a pre-formatted
checklist to create your ‘OK Sun Pledge’; a tailored sun protection
policy suitable for your activity and resources. Actions range from
‘leading by example’ to ensuring kids ‘re-apply sunscreen after lunch
breaks’.
…Get Set
Ideas such as nominating ‘OK Sun Monitors’ to take the
‘Two Week Challenge’ will help kick start activity and ensure your
pledged actions are maintained all summer. Downloadable resources
including leaflets, posters and videos will educate, promote awareness
and encourage you to re-think old habits and view sun protection as an
integral part of your outdoor activity.
Why Go?
Just a few serious sunburns can increase everyone’s
risk of melanoma by 80%. With 86% of melanomas attributed to excessive
sun exposure, and levels of melanoma rising in the UK, sun protection
habits need to change, and what better place to start than with those
who spend prolonged periods outdoors.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Watch out for the new short film, ‘Blow the Whistle on
Sunburn!’ which aims to inspire children to think twice about sun
protection. It will be premiering in six schools around the country from
May 5th and from May 6th available via
www.oksunsafetycode.com in a presentation format, perfect for screening in school assemblies and at club sessions.