Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide this summer!

Nov 23,2022read

That Australian sun is out in full force, so make sure you follow "Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide" to stay safe! Find out more on this Family Days Out blog!

Main Photo by Timon Studler on Unsplash

We know how much that Australian sun can beat down as we enjoy the amazing things to do and see Down Under, from the incredible beaches to those glorious wildlife filled bushwalks - BUT it's also very important that on these Family Days Out in the beautiful Aussie outdoors, that you look after yourself!

So kids - are you aware of Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide?

If not, keep reading and it's a GREAT way to stay safe in that hot summer sun AND still have a great time!

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

So, what does it all mean?

SLIP

Slip on a t-shirt! Keeping those shoulders covered is really important, and if you have a lycra shirt that's even better for when you're enjoying activities such as swimming, where the water acts as a reflectant and the UVs can be even stronger.

Don't forget, even in cloudy weather the UV rays can be strong!

SLOP

Slop on that sunscreen! It's always great to use a stronger sunscreen - SPF50+ is always a great one to use. Don't forget to cover these three areas which can burn so easily and are often overlooked - your lips, tops of your ears, and the backs of your knees! Didn't think that one would be there, did you? But yes, the backs of your knees are such delicate skin sunscreen often doens't find its way there. (We also like to cover the tops of our feet too!)

One thing that's SO important, is to look for "reef-safe" sunscreen. You will be surprised how many sunscreens are actually harmful to aquatic life including coral.

In fact, a lot of harmful sunscreens contains oxybenzone which is a chemical that absorbs UV, and when this makes its way into the water, this causes coral to bleach, which is bad!

The best thing to do is look for any sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide otherwise known as "physical sunscreens". This way you can enjoy the sun AND help the envrionment.

SLAP

Making sure you have a hat with you is so important on Australian days out. Caps are great, but really it's best to look for hats that have a full brim, or even better hang to cover the back of your neck.

On those windy days you can make sure you have a tie under your chin to secure it - and then you really will look like the good ol' Little Aussie Battler!

Photo by Lino Ogenio on Unsplash

What used to be "Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap" is now as you know, "Slip, Slop Slap, Seek, Slide" - so let's explore the last two!

SEEK

Seek shade! Yes, this is such a great way to protect from the sun and you can still enjoy the heat. Kids, clouds don't count as shade because the UV rays still can penetrate cloud cover and it can be really deceptive.

So if you're enjoying some park time with the family, why not just set up that picnic blanket under a tree instead of direct sun? Or if you're heading out to enjoy a day on the pristine white sands, take an umbrella or even a tent, and make sure you have a shady area to always head back to.

If you want to stop for an ice cream or a cool drink, pick a cafe that offers shade (and most do!).

SLIDE

Finally, SLIDE - and we don't mean sliding your way into your next family day out (although we're sure you will want to do that very soon!). We mean SLIDE into a pair of sunnies. You can buy sunglasses that also offer UV protection (Cancer Council glasses are great for this) which are a really great option, especially for kids.

Also, sunglasses that wrap around your head, so you don't have sun exposure coming in through the sides (that sneaky sun!)

So kids, is it because of the sun that you need to wear sunglasses, or because your future is so bright? It could be either! That's up to you :)