Sun Safety

Taking part, or watching, outdoor summer sports can mean that young skin is subjected to ‘prolonged sun exposure’ which can result in sunburn, even on a cloudy day.
Figures from Cancer Research UK show that the incidence of melanoma in the UK is now five times higher than it was in the 1970s; more than 13,000 people develop melanoma each year, compared with around 1,800 in the mid-1970s.
The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs duringchildhood and that just one blistering sunburn can double the risk of getting melanoma later in life.
The ECB Supports the Outdoor Kids Sun
Safety Code
Devised and funded by the Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research Fund, and launched in May 2014, the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code is a FREE online resource bank, developed by a leading skin cancer specialist alongside experts in physical education and safeguarding. The ‘OK Sun Safety Code’ offers an official Accreditation Mark, verifying that specific measures have been met and that you actively sun protect kids in you care. The downloadable toolkit provides promotional materials, designed to keep guidelines ‘front of mind’ and ensure that good practice by clubs, coaches and teachers is supported by parents.
The ECB recommends that clubs, individual coaches, parents, and others, consider using the resources available through the ‘OK Sun Safety Code’, which provides information, advice, resources and accreditation on Sun Safety for children.
The guidance includes making sure that coaches and others set an example and are seen to take steps to protect themselves, and that they encourage children to:

Wear a hat
Put on sun cream (factor 30 or above)
Cover up

The resource is available at:
http://oksunsafetycode.com/