The Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research Fund (MTMRF) has launched a free resource bank to help ensure children who take part in outdoor activities stay safe in the sun.
80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18 and just one blistering sunburn can double the risk of getting melanoma later in life and Cancer Research UK’s research recently revealed that the incidence of melanoma in the UK is now five times higher than it was in the 1970s.
The Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code is designed to encourage active measures to be put in place ensuring effective sun protection for children outdoors.
The Code has been produced in association with the Association for Physical Education (afPE), sports coach UK, the Youth Sports Trust and the Child Protection in Sport Unit.
Clubs, groups, schools and individual coaches will be required to follow the OK Code to gain an Accreditation Mark – confirming that specific sun protection measures have been met.
A downloadable toolkit provides educational materials, designed to support best practice for all those working outdoors with children.
Harry Townsend, founder of the MTMRF, feels that this code is a great way of making sure kids don’t feel adverse effects of being active outdoors.
“Whilst nothing is better than enjoying the great outdoors, we want to ensure kids understand the importance of staying safe in the sun.
“Targeting attitudes and behaviour at a young age, especially through respected coaches, teachers, instructors and leaders, will encourage good habits which will last a lifetime.”
To find out more about the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code visit www.oksunsafetycode.co.uk or contact info@oksunsafetycode.com.
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