They’re little, made of silicone and if they turn purple, it’s time to get out of the sun or slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.
The new UV detecting wristbands are being handed out at Southbank today, part of a joint effort by Queensland Health and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) educating kids on the importance of sun safety.
Preventative Health Branch head Mark West said Skin cancer affects more Queenslanders than their neighbours in other states.
“We know that having as few as five severe sunburns more than doubles your risk of melanoma and now kids can have a clear indicator within arm’s reach showing the dangers the sun can pose to little bodies,” he said.
“Teaming up with SLSQ just made sense and we’re sure these innovative wristbands are a clever way to help reach our young Queenslanders and promote the lifesaving sun safety message.
“The UV detecting wristbands are made of durable silicone to last the Summer, they’ll turn a bright purple from white when exposed to UV rays.
“We’re known as the Sunshine state for good reason, beautiful beaches and a wonderful year round climate, unfortunately Queensland is also the skin cancer capital of the world so finding new ways to spread our message is vital.
“Through rain, hail or shine, these wrist bands will indicate whether you are in UV rays and act as a prompt reminder to practice sun safety.
“We decided on the UV detecting wristbands to create a fun, innovative way to engage with kids and help them learn about sun safety and to practice sun safe behaviours before the damage can be done.
“Queensland UV rays sit at danger levels for long periods of the day so we all need to be vigilant.
“Encouraging your kids to be active and spend time outdoors is important both to their physical and mental health and practising sun safety is important to protect them from skin cancer in the future.”
The great news is SLSQ is not only keeping our beaches safe for swimmers this Summer, they’re also handing these wristbands out for free.
SLSQ Chief Lifeguard Greg Cahill said it was a great initiative.
“We obviously want people to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but we also want them to stay safe, both in and out of the water,” he said.
“That means swimming between the flags, but it also means following a few simple steps to help protect yourself from the sun and potentially harmful UV rays.
“This is a great initiative and we’re proud to be working with Queensland Health to help spread the sun safety message.”
SLSQ will be handing out the free wrist bands on Friday 24 January at the following locations:
Gold Coast
Tallebudgera Creek from 10-11am
Sunshine Coast
Mooloolaba Main Beach Sunshine Coast from 10.30-11.30am.
