Sun Smart Tips

Why be sun smart?

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. About one in two people who grow up here will develop some form of skin cancer, and more than 1600 Australians die from melanoma each year — the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

The major cause of skin cancer is exposure to UV radiation from the sun and other sources, such as solariums.But the good news is that skin cancer is almost totally preventable and that most skin cancers can be cured if found and treated early.

5 Steps to be SunSmart

The Cancer Council Australia recommends Australians take five steps to protect against sun damage when the SunSmart UV Alert UV Index is at 3 or above:

	Cover you skin !!
	Sun screen SPF plus 30
	Wear a hat
	Seek shade
	Slide on some sun glasses

Source:SunSmart

You should use a combination of sun protection measures to keep you safe from UV radiation-never rely on just one.

For more information about being sun smart, visit these links:

Blue Bottle Jellyfish

In Spring and early summer, these blue transparent creatures wash up on the beach and have venom in their stinging cells.If you get stung here are some tips.

Treatment for Jellyfish sting

• Do NOT pull off tentacle pieces
• Pour vinegar over sting
• Sting & bite products can ease pain
• See the Lifeguard on patrol
• See a doctor if sting persists

Beach Safety Information

Have a hassle free day at Bondi by following these simple steps to have fun in the ocean:

1. Always swim between the flags
This is the safest area to swim in is patrolled by experienced lifeguards

2. Non-experienced swimmer don't swim alone
Swim with a friend or under supervision

3. Don't swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Most adults who drown in NSW are alcohol affected

4. Learn to recognise dangerous rips and waves
Sometimes the waves or currents can be very powerful and overwhelm swimmers

5. Avoid waves that don't break or waves that break very forcefully
Waves that don't break at all can knock swimmers over and drag them out to sea

Rips

Most people who need rescuing at the beach have been caught in a rip.

It is important for beach swimmers to learn to recognise the strong currents (rips) and the dangerous waves.

How to recognise a rip?

Rips can be recognised by the contrast with the surrounding sea. If the sea is rough and white the rip is where there's a channel of calmer looking water. If the sea is calm, the rip is where there's a channel of rippled water.

Pictured: A large rip in the water

What to do if caught in a rip?

• Don't panic and don't try and swim back in against the rip
• Put your hand up to attract a lifeguard's attention to rescue you
• More experienced swimmers can try swimming across the rip
• When the rip has been crossed then swim into shore

Source: Waverley Council Beach Safety

Read more in our surfing section