Running a SunSmart event
Before the event
Schedule events to avoid as much, if not all, of the period between 11am and 4pm through September to March when UV radiation is most fierce.
Consider the shade needs for your workers, participants and spectators.
Look at your site in advance and ensure the best SunSmart options are taken to make the most of existing shade.
Organise shade structures for your event such as marquees, tents and umbrellas. Your local Cancer Society or council may have umbrellas or shade structures available for loan.
Encourage people to bring their own shade such as umbrellas or gazebos.
Encourage people to come prepared to be SunSmart by including reminders or checklists in your event information packs, programmes, invitations, fliers, tickets, posters and signage.
Encourage participants and officials to:
- Wear hats with wide brims or bucket-style hats. Aim for a brim about 6 to 7cm.
- Wear SunSmart clothing such as shirts with collars and long sleeves.
- Bring and regularly apply SPF30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- Wear sunglasses.
- Bring personal shade such as umbrellas or gazebos.
Arrange a supply of SPF30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen for workers, volunteers and for those who may forget to bring their own.
During the event
Give SunSmart reminders over the public address system.
If possible, provide a shade oasis where shade, sunscreen, seating and water are available.
Encourage staff to be SunSmart role models and rotate their duties between shaded and non-shaded areas.
Where merchandise is for sale, try to include hats and sunscreen.
Display posters and reminders for people to be SunSmart – and never get sunburnt.
Download Running a SunSmart Event as a PDF File (248KB) or as a Word File (360KB)