Melanoma Fund team with Paddle UK to ‘Sunguard’ water sports
10.07.24 | Michelle Baker
The Melanoma Fund is excited to announce a new collaboration with Paddle UK to promote sun protection and skin cancer prevention awareness among paddle sport enthusiasts.
The organisation is encouraging its 12,000 instructors, coaches, and leaders to become accredited to the Melanoma Fund’s FREE online Sunguarding course, creating a deeper understanding of sun protection, for those who work and are responsible for others outside. The course provides the knowledge and skills required to mitigate the risks of UV exposure, covering topics such as sun protection, moral and legal responsibilities, prevention of skin cancer, and heat-related conditions.
Photo courtesy of Paddle UK
Lee Pooley, Director of recreation and development at Paddle UK, emphasises the importance of this initiative and says; “With the onset of warmer weather in the UK, the importance of Sunguarding against the harmful effects of the sun becomes paramount. Paddlesport instructors, coaches, and leaders face increased exposure to UV rays due to prolonged periods on water, and with water washing off sunscreen, understanding how and why to provide adequate sun protection within their daily routine is vital.”
Previously named British Canoeing, Paddle UK has been around since 1936 when it was the British Canoe Union. Today Paddle UK aims to inspire people to pursue a passion for paddling, health, enjoyment, friendship, challenge, and achievement. As part of an overall awareness drive, Paddle UK will also encourage member clubs to utilise the charity’s other free sun protection resources, offering specific advice for those who play sports in and around water.
The charity has created specific advice within their Sunguarding Sport campaign, targeting all who participate in paddlesports, HERE, created in partnership with the national governing body, which is freely available, to be used by clubs and groups across the UK. Developed with the support of leading experts, this helps provide alignment around sun protection, aiming to create better awareness, habits, and attitudes.
Michelle Baker, CEO of the Melanoma Fund, stated, “British Canoeing has supported our work for many years, and renewing this partnership is vital to us. We are thrilled to team up with Paddle UK to promote sun protection for everyone who enjoys the sport. Importantly, this collaboration helps maintain high standards around sun protection and in doing so, the reputation of coaches and leaders, with many parents becoming increasingly concerned about the danger of sunburn, resulting from organised outdoor activities.”
For more information and to access the course and other resources, please visit HERE
About the Melanoma Fund
The Melanoma Fund is a UK charity dedicated to raising awareness about melanoma and other skin cancers in sports and outdoor recreation. Promoting early detection, and supporting prevention initiatives through education and advocacy, the charity strives to reduce the incidence and impact of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. For more information, visit www.melanoma-fund.co.uk
About Paddle UK
Paddle UK is the national governing body for paddlesports in the United Kingdom, promoting participation and excellence in canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and other paddlesport activities. The organisation supports the development of coaches, leaders, and instructors to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences on the water for all. for more information visit www.paddleuk.org
