Event Public Announcements

While participating in and enjoying events, people can forget to continue to be SunSmart throughout the day. You can help by reminding them with short snappy announcements.

General message

Take care today to be SunSmart! A dose of sunburn is the last thing you need. It's easy - you've just got to remember to slip, slop, slap, and wrap:

• Slip into a shirt, and some shade 
• Slop on loads of sunscreen 
• Slap on a hat 
• Wrap on some sunnies

Shade message

Have a great time today - and remember to protect yourself from the harsh sun. If you think you've been in the sun a bit long - make the most of the shade we've provided. Be SunSmart - Slip into some shade.

Sunscreen

A quick reminder - you'll have slapped some sunscreen on thickly before coming here today - keep an eye on the time and sun. It might just be time for you to re-apply it. Be SunSmart - slop on loads of SPF 30+ sunscreen.

Hat

It's good to see you all here today - and it's great to see people wearing their hats. There's nothing like a great hat to help protect you from the sun. Be SunSmart - slap on a hat.

Sunnies

There's plenty to see here today - and one way of making sure you don't miss anything is to have a decent pair of sunglasses on. A good pair of sunnies will help protect your eyes - and help you catch all the action. Be SunSmart - wrap on some sunnies.

Ultraviolet Index

Did you know that you can get the expected Ultraviolet Index from the SunSmart website, your newspaper weather page or the TV and radio weather reports? It’s a great way to know just how quickly you might get sunburned. Be SunSmart - protect yourself when the UVI is 6 or above.

Unique conditions

We hope you have a great time here today - that's why we want you to keep an eye on the sun.
The last thing we need is for your day to be ruined by sunburn. New Zealand's unique conditions mean we have to be careful about protecting ourselves. We're exposed to a lot of harmful UV rays - so we're vulnerable to skin damage. Be SunSmart - slip, slop, slap, and wrap.

Cloud

The weather in this country can be pretty changeable. Sunshine one minute - cloud the next. Don't be fooled by the cloud - because even when there's cloud around you can still get sunburned. That's because Ultraviolet Rays are still around even on cloudy days, and they're what do the damage. This summer be SunSmart - slip, slop, slap and wrap - even when it's a bit cloudy.

Background Information

Context

Sun safety is a very important issue for Kiwis. SunSmart™ is a brand used by the Health Sponsorship Council, the Cancer Society of NZ and other health promoters, to promote sun safety to New Zealanders.

Tone

Positive, friendly and informative.

SunSmart™ Facts

• New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. 
• There are nearly 50,000 new skin cancers a year, including 1800 new cases of melanoma 
• You are most likely to be burnt on your face, neck, shoulder and lower arm 
• The face and neck are the most common places for skin cancers.
• New Zealanders are particularly at risk of skin cancer because of our clear skies, our outdoor lifestyle, and our country’s closeness to the sun.

Skin Facts

• Skin is the largest and one of the hardest working organs in the body. 
• Skin covers an average area of about 1.8 metres and makes up 1/6 of your body weight. 
• Skin continually renews itself. Old skin cells are gradually shed and replaced by new ones every 28 days. 
• Skin cells grow and rejuvenate faster than any other organ. 
• You have 19 million skin cells every square inch of your body. 
• Skin’s biggest job is protection. It is a tough, elastic, flexible and waterproof covering and maintains the body’s correct temperature. 
• It is believed that over 90% of all damage done to the skin is done by the sun. 
• Skin contains a chemical called melanin. Melanin reacts to UVA rays when sunlight comes into contact with the skin, helping the body reflect and absorb the UV light. The skin begins to tan as melanin levels rise. 
• A tan is the first sign of skin damage. In the skin’s attempt to protect itself it increases in melanin.