Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world – and on the water, that UV bounces off the sea, decks and concrete, making exposure even stronger. At Fremantle Sailing Club, we want everyone – members, guests, staff, contractors and volunteers – to enjoy the Harbour without taking home a sunburn (or worse).

Why sun protection matters

• UV damage is invisible and permanent – it builds up over time, even on cool or cloudy days.
• Most skin cancers are caused by long-term UV exposure, not just the occasional bad burn.
• UV is usually highest between 10 am and 3 pm, and reflections off the water increase your dose.

Think: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide – every time you’re around the marina or out on the water.

SLIP on sun-protective clothing

• Long-sleeved, collared shirts and longer shorts or pants.
• Lightweight, UPF-rated fabrics that keep you cool and covered.

SLOP on sunscreen

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or higher, water-resistant.
• Apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours, or more often if sweating or getting splashed.
• Don’t forget ears, neck, lips, backs of hands and feet.

SLAP on a hat

• Wide-brim, bucket or legionnaire style that shades face, neck and ears.
• Caps alone don’t provide enough protection.

SEEK shade

• Use awnings, shade sails, the clubhouse and any sheltered areas for breaks and rigging where possible.
• Try to avoid long jobs in full sun in the middle of the day.

SLIDE on sunglasses

• Close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet Australian/New Zealand Standards.
• Protects eyes from UV damage, cataracts and “snow blindness” on bright days.

What FSC is doing

At Fremantle Sailing Club, we are committed to improving sun safety by:

• Encouraging sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses for all outdoor work and activities.
• Planning outdoor tasks, where possible, to reduce time in peak UV in the middle of the day.
• Promoting the use of sunscreen around the Club and at the Harbour Office.
• Including UV awareness and sun protection in staff and contractor inductions and toolbox talks.

What you can do today

• Check the UV Index before you head down to the Club – if it’s 3 or above, sun protection is needed.
• Cover up, gear up and top up your sunscreen regularly while at FSC.
• Look after your mates – remind each other to reapply and grab a hat or sunnies.
• See your GP or skin clinic for regular skin checks and get anything new or changing looked at early.

Further Information

For trusted, Australia-specific advice on sun safety and UV protection, refer to the Cancer Council Sun Safety resources. These provide clear guidance on sunscreen, protective clothing, UV levels and skin checks.

If you have ideas to improve sun safety around the marina, please speak with the Harbour Office – we’d love your input.