New online course sets the sun safety standard for industry professionals

Released: 07.05.24

The Melanoma Fund has pioneered the 'UK's first sun protection course for the sports and outdoor sector', designed to elevate standards in sun safety education and skin cancer prevention, targeting those at the highest risk.

Sunguarding – sun and heat protection for sports and outdoor recreation is a freely accessible, online course, designed for those who work with people outdoors, from aspiring to existing professionals. 

Using practical strategies and insights, it provides the knowledge and skills required to mitigate the risks of UV exposure, ensuring the safety and well-being of leaders and participants. 

Created by experts, and in collaboration with leading universities and prominent national governing bodies, the course provides accreditation and is accredited by CIMSPA and the Institute of Outdoor Learning.  Providing 3 CPD points, it is set to be used as an industry standard for leading sports and outdoor organisations, including the PGA, Premier Education, Mountain Training England and many others.

First in universities

Until now, sun and heat protection have not been integrated into university syllabuses for students studying sports and outdoor recreation. However, this paradigm is shifting, as the course will be available in a flexible PowerPoint format, designed specifically for lecturers, enabling them to weave this into the syllabi. Plymouth Marjon University, renowned for its sport, exercise and rehabilitation courses, has been leading progress and educating students about Sunguarding. 

"When approached to get involved, I was astonished by the lack of educational resources on sun protection for the sports and outdoor sector across all levels, and I embraced the opportunity to collaborate. This course will ignite conversations around sun and heat safety practices, empowering coaches to not only protect our athletes, but foster a culture where responsible behaviour becomes second nature." Dr. Phil Brown, Senior Lecturer - Plymouth Marjon University

Leading by example

To inspire behavioural change, the course uses a unique approach that calls on influential individuals to champion sun protection, by modelling healthy habits themselves. Leading by example is a move that aims protect leaders, whilst inspiring others in a way that is more powerful and impactful than instruction, fostering genuine impact.

"In light of the rising incidence of skin cancer in the UK, and the growing frequency of extreme heat during summer months, it is imperative for the sports and outdoor recreation sector to proactively 'sunguard' outdoor activities. This becomes even more pressing considering the heightened expectations from UK Sport to national governing bodies to demonstrate a robust commitment to health and safety protocols. With existing endorsements from these organisations, our materials are well positioned to provide an effective solution". Michelle Baker, CEO – Melanoma Fund

Head to the Melanoma Fund website here