WARC Sun Protection Policy

The following policy is in place to help the members of the West Australian Rowing Club minimise the risks of overexposure to UV.

A downloadable copy of the policy is available from the following link: Sunsmart Policy

1.Rationale

(a)  A balance of ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure is important for health. Too much UV from the sun can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage and skin cancer.

(b)  Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Australians will develop some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. People often experience sunburn and skin damage when playing or watching sport due to extended periods exposed to high levels of UV without appropriate sun protection.

2. Using the UV Index

The UV Index is a number that describes the strength of UV radiation. The higher the number, the faster unprotected skin is damaged. Safe UV levels for unprotected skin are below 3. For UV Index above 3 sun protection is vital. A UV index of 12 is four times the safe limit.

3. Sun Protection Times

(a)  A combination of sun protection measures are needed during the daily local sun protection times (issued whenever UV levels reach 3 and above).

(b)  To assist with the implementation of this policy, club officials, coaches and members are encouraged to access the daily local sun protection times at myuv.com.au, on the free SunSmart app.

4. Training and Regattas

(a)  Where possible, training, events and competitions are scheduled to minimise exposure to UV above 3.

(b)  Modification of training, events or competition occurs when high risk conditions are forecast.

(c)  Where it is not possible to avoid peak UV periods, the following interim steps are taken to minimise the risk of overexposure to UV:

(i)  warm-up activities are limited in duration and intensity;

(ii)  the duration of the activity is reduced;

(iii)  activities start earlier in the morning or later in the evening;

(iv)  rest breaks and opportunities to seek shade and rehydrate are increased;

(v)  officials and coaches rotate out of the sun more frequently than usual; and

(vi)  officials, coaches and senior members act as role models by wearing sun protective clothing and hats, applying sunscreen and seeking shade wherever possible.

5. Sun protection measures

(a) Clothing

(i)  Sun-protective clothing is promoted as part of club kit for members, officials and volunteers.

(ii)  Shirts are made from UPF (UV protection factor) 50+ material and have long sleeves and a collar.

(iii)  Shirts are loose-fitting and lightweight.

(iv)  Zooties do not provide adequate sun protection, and members are reminded to apply SPF30 (or higher) broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen to all exposed skin and wear covering clothing whilst not participating.

(b) Sunscreen

(i)  SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water- resistant sunscreen is promoted and/or provided to members.

(ii)  Members are encouraged to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before training or playing and to reapply every two hours and more often after excessive sweating or towelling dry.

(iii)  Sunscreen is stored below 30°c and replaced once it is past the use-by date.

(iv)  Members are encouraged to apply a generous amount of sunscreen (the equivalent of one teaspoon per limb).

(v)  A free supply of SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen is available to all members at any time at the club.

(c) Hats

Wide-brimmed or bucket hats are promoted as part of the club uniform. Caps and visors do not provide adequate sun protection to the face, ears and neck, and are discouraged.

(d) Shade

(vii)  When not actively participating or between individual events, members are able to rest in shaded areas (e.g. under the Club’s tent).

(viii)  Where there is insufficient natural or built shade, temporary shade structures are provided or members are notified to bring their own temporary shade (e.g. tents or umbrellas).

(ix)  Shade from buildings, trees and other structures is used where possible.

(x)  Members and officials rotate to cooler, shaded areas.

(e) Sunglasses

Members are advised to wear sunglasses where possible.

6. Education and information

The times when sun protection is required (as determined by SunSmart’s daily local sun protection times) are communicated to members and spectators.

7. Vitamin D

Too little UV from the sun can lead to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and muscles. Sensible sun protection does not put you at risk of low vitamin D.

8. Review

(a)  This SunSmart policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that the document remains current and practical.

(b)  This policy was last updated on 11 October 2019.

9. Helpful documents and links

SunSmart Times: www.myuv.com.au
SunSmart sun protection times widget: www.sunsmart.com.au/uv-sun-protection/uv/uv-widget

SunSmart apps: www.sunsmart.com.au/app

Heat and UV Guide: www.sunsmart.com.au/downloads/communities/sports-clubs/uv- exposure-heat-illness-guide.pdf

Shade audit: www.sunsmart.com.au/shade-audit/