SunSmart community events

Events and festivals provide a great opportunity to get together with friends and family and enjoy our beautiful parks and places across South Australia. However, the long periods of time spent outdoors, often during peak UV times, puts those attending at risk of skin damage.

Sun protection needs to be considered as part of the event planning process and implemented when events are being held outdoors. At Cancer Council SA we want all South Australians to continue enjoying outdoor events, so we’ve put together some tips to support event organisers in protecting their attendees, staff and volunteers.

Why plan SunSmart events?

• Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Despite being one of the most preventable cancers, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70.
• Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Outdoor events are common places for people to experience skin damage and sunburn.
• Organisers have a duty of care to protect attendees as well as their staff and volunteers. UV radiation needs to be considered as part of safety and risk management planning, to ensure it is managed appropriately before, during, and after the event.

Do I need sun protection at my event?

• SunSmart event planning is important for all outdoor events, particularly if your event is being held when UV is forecast to reach 3 and above, and where participants are expected to be outdoors for long periods of time.
• UV is likely to reach 3 and above every day in South Australia from the start of August through to the end of April. Maximum UV levels peak over the middle of the day, and sun protection times vary a great deal during August to April. The higher the maximum UV level forecast, the longer the sun protection times.
• Always check the UV Index and daily sun protection times for your location. Download the free SunSmart Global UV app or check local UV information on the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Use this checklist to ensure your event is SunSmart and sun safe!

Before your event

✔ Event has been scheduled for early morning or late afternoon/evening to avoid peak UV times, where possible.
If not possible, consider additional sun protection measures for attendees, staff and volunteers.
✔ Location has been checked to determine what shade is already available and where additional shade may be needed. Use the Shade Comparison Check to assess the quality of shade at your event location.
✔ When setting up and positioning stages, presentation areas and merchandise tents, etc. consider the path of the sun, to take advantage of any shade that could be created. Provide additional portable shade (such as marquees) where needed.
✔ Make shade available in places where people gather or may spend lengthy periods, e.g. queues or eating areas.
✔ Promotional material and images are consistent with SunSmart messages e.g. people wearing hats, sunglasses and shirts with sleeves etc.
✔ Sun protection reminders are included in promotional materials, such as flyers, event guides and tickets and on the event website or social media pages e.g. “Remember to BYO sunscreen”, “Don’t forget your hat”, etc.
✔ Where possible, attendees are allowed to bring their own temporary shade (e.g. tents or umbrellas) and are encouraged to do so.
✔ The SunSmart widget has been added to the event or organisers website.
✔ Sun protection information is included in staff and volunteer training, inductions, or briefings. Where uniform is supplied, ensure good protection from UV radiation is provided, such as long-sleeved tops and broad-brimmed hats.

TIP: Ensure security are aware sunscreen is permitted for bag search purposes.

On the day

✔ Daily sun protection times are displayed on signage or on the event website or social media pages.
✔ PA announcements during the event remind attendees to use sun protection and reapply sunscreen regularly.
✔ SunSmart resources including brochures, posters and wallet cards are on display, where appropriate.
✔ SPF 50 or 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen is provided either for purchase or free at convenient locations (e.g. at an information desk).
Sunscreen can be purchased from the Cancer Council shop in Regent Arcade.

Staff and volunteer SunSmart practices

✔ Uniform or dress code includes sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
✔ Sun protective hats that shade the face, neck and ears are worn.
✔ SPF 50 or 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen is available for staff and volunteers.
✔ Close-fitting wrap-around sunglasses are worn (where practical).
✔ Staff and volunteers have access to shade from buildings, trees or other structures, where possible.
✔ Rotating rosters are put in place to reduce time spent in direct sun.

TIP: During set up and pack down of the event, your staff, volunteers, and contractors are likely spending large amounts of time outdoors. It’s important they are well protected from UV during both set up and pack down times, event when the UV is below 3. This is because UV damage is cumulative and extended exposure even at low level contributes to increased skin cancer risk.