As we begin to spend more time out in the sun, by the pool or at the beach, the message to remain sun safe is all the more important.
Two London Olympians visited Penrith Pools on Tuesday to promote the Cancer Council’s ‘Sun Sound’ campaign, which could help to protect thousands from skin cancer this summer.
Kayak gold medallist, David Smith and Nina Curtis, who won silver in sailing at the recent Olympics,spend most of their time out in the sun, especially when they are training – so keeping safe in the sun is one of their key priorities.
The ambassadors for the campaign visited Penrith Pools to encourage the local community to protect their skin when prompted by the Sun Sound, a catchy jingle that plays once an hour between 11am and 3pm each day.
“It is a good way to take on skin cancer in a different direction. All the campaigns in the past have always been about awareness but what we’re starting to find is that everyone is aware but it is just not translating,” Mr Smith said.
“We are trying to be more proactive instead of reactive when it comes to skin cancer. It is a really good thing,” he said.
Both Olympians believe that by setting an example, they can help to prevent skin cancer in people for the years to come.
“As a kid, whenever I got burnt it wasn’t because I wanted to, it was because I forgot. It’s a nice way of reminding everyone,” Ms Curtis said.
The Sun Sound is a catchy jingle that will play regularly over the loud speakers at local pools during the summer, reminding people to protect themselves with hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothing and to stay in the shade.
Penrith Pools is just one location out of over 60 beaches and pools taking part in the Sun Sound campaign in NSW.
“The Sun Sound itself is a gentle reminder to people to do this stuff. The Sun Sound itself promotes the sun safe message,” said Rodney Titovs of the Cancer Council Nepean branch.
In the Greater Western Sydney region, more than 600 people are diagnosed with melanoma and about 90 people die from melanoma each year so it is hoped that this message will reduce those numbers.
For more information on the Sun Sound campaign contact the Cancer Council on 13 11 20.
