Sun Protection

Taking part, or watching, outdoor summer sports can mean that young skin is subjected to ‘prolonged sun exposure’ which can result in sunburn, even on a cloudy day.

Figures from Cancer Research UK show that the incidence of melanoma in the UK is now five times higher than it was in the 1970s; more than 13,000 people develop melanoma each year, compared with around 1,800 in the mid-1970s.

The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood and that just one blistering sunburn can double the risk of getting melanoma later in life.

The ECB and Cheltenham Cricket Club supports the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code.

All those responsible for young cricketers at Cheltenham Cricket Club will:

• Lead by example and protect themselves against the sun
• Ensure that young people will remain hydrated
• Encourage young people to wear a hat
• Encourage young people to use sun cream of at least SPF 30. (To be applied by children themselves or parents and carers.)
• Ask young people to arrive with suncream and re apply when necessary
• Ask young people to arrive with full water bottles
• Seek shade at breaks if possible
• Promote the importance of sun protection.

More information can be found at http://www.oksunsafetycode.com