Being active outdoors is important for our health and wellness. The summer brings warm weather and sunshine, which can be tempting for horse owners and handlers to ditch the safety wear such as hats, long trousers, and suitable footwear. This poses one obvious risk but thanks to the Melanoma Fund, a lesser considered summer risk is being brought to the fore for outdoor sports.
The new Sunguarding Sport campaign aims to highlight the risks of sun and extreme heat for those partaking in outdoor activities. This is not limited ot the participants of these activities, but for many yard owners, staff, event volunteers and even spectators this includes being outdoors too potentially in high heat and strong sun for extended periods of time so also helps highlight their risk too.
Usefully, they have published sport-specific guides including this one for Equestrian Sports. They have some great Sun Protection and Safety Guidelines including protective clothing, symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and understanding the highest risks. They also have a downloadable toolkit that you can use at your yard or event reminding participants and visitors of the dangers and to take basic ‘sun sense’ to help protect themselves.
Melanoma Fund also run a similar campaign OK Sun Safety Code, especially for those working with particularly primary school-aged children, so is a great idea for those running riding schools, pony parties and suchlike. Whether a coach, outdoor activity leader, instructor or teacher, if you work outdoors with children Melanoma Fund can help you update your sun protection knowledge and improve your practices. Their guidelines are relevant and flexible for groups, clubs and schools. They can help create centra policies, and staff can become individually Sun Protection Accredited, helping strengthen knowledge all round.