Slip, slap, slop, seek and slide

As Cancer Council Australia says: "Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide". These are five very important steps to help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. As a safety-first organisation we're here to breakdown what each step means for our students:

Slip – on a Shirt

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt or a rashie when swimming, to shield your skin from direct sun exposure. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics for comfort, and aim for darker or tightly woven materials that block more UV rays.

Slop – on Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen with a high SPF (at least SPF 30) to all exposed skin. Make sure to use it generously, and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating. Don’t forget areas like your ears, back of the neck, and the tops of your feet!

Slap – on a Hat

Wear a wide-brimmed hat that provides shade for your face, neck, and ears. A hat with at least a 3-inch brim is recommended for maximum sun protection.

Seek – Shade

Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during the peak hours of sun exposure (often between 10am and 4pm). Use umbrellas, trees, or any structures that provide shade to protect yourself from direct sunlight.

Slide – on Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses that block 100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays. Look for glasses with wraparound lenses for better coverage.

These simple yet effective steps can help reduce the risk of skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer, allowing you to enjoy the sun safely.