Heading Kiwis urged to be cautious near water this summer
By Tim O?Connell
While the slip, slop, slap message is being encouraged by the Cancer Society, further caution is being advised regarding all things aquatic. The Cancer Society?s skin cancer control advisor Dr Judith Galtry says that excessive exposure to ultra violet rays is the leading cause of skin cancer in New Zealand. But while the usual commonsense precautions of applying sunscreen and wearing sufficient clothing are recommended, Kiwis are also warned to watch out for the possibility of some glaring-but not so obvious-sun damage. A three-yearly survey undertaken by the Cancer society showed that New Zealanders who engage in water-related activities are most likely to experience sunburn. While many of these cases can be directly attributed to people neglecting to cover up with clothing or adequate sunscreen, the glare of the sun from water or even sand can increase the chance of sun damage. ?It?s important to protect yourself and your family from the sun when at the beach, the pool or out on the water,? Dr Galtry stressed. ?Even sand reflects UVR with levels up to 15 to 18 percent higher than non-reflective surfaces.?
