Sun protection and sports day

Planning ahead helps with being SunSmart on the day. Follow this advice to get yourself off to a flying start.

• Try to arrange sports days in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
• Take a look at the shade available in the area where the event is being held. You could use temporary shade structures (umbrellas or canopies) if there isn't enough shade from buildings and trees.
• Think about providing water for students and parents to prevent dehydration.
• Order free SunSmart resources to get your message across on the day. Hand out before the event so everyone comes prepared!

Make sure your whole school participates in being SunSmart!

• Discuss being safe in the sun during school lessons. Have a look at the SunSmart teaching resources for activity ideas.
• Encourage students and teachers to wear t-shirts, hats and sunglasses (if appropriate) whilst training for Sports Day.
• Use newsletter articles to inform parents about the importance of sun safety on Sports Day.
• Ask parents to return permission slips indicating whether they are happy for teachers to apply sunscreen at Sports Day.

Now it's time to put all your planning into practice! On the day:

• Encourage everyone to cover up with t-shirts, hats and sunglasses.
• Remind participants to reapply at least SPF 15 sunscreen generously and regularly.
• Distribute information about being SunSmart to spectators and participants.
• Persuade spectators to make use of the shady areas. For example, set up a drinks stand under a canopy or tree.
• Award a prize to the team who have been most SunSmart at the Sports Day.

These tips are particularly important if your Sports Day is taking place between the peak UV hours of 11-3.