National Skin Cancer Action Week is 17 to 23 November. Claim your free sunscreen and stay protected from the sun.

Skin cancer rates are rising, particularly in Australia, and around 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Sadly, nearly twice as many men as women will lose their lives to melanoma.

However many Australians, particularly men, still aren’t using all five forms of sun protection. National Skin Cancer Action Week is to highlight the importance of sun protection and to urge everyone, especially men over 40, to be SunSmart and reduce their skin cancer risk.

The good news? Most skin cancers can be prevented by following five simple steps whenever the UV level is 3 or higher. Remember to be sun smart and follow these steps while visiting our centres and using our outdoor pools and facilities:

• Slip on sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible

• Slop on SPF 50 or SPF50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours afterwards

• Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears

• Seek shade

• Slide on sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards

To claim your free sunscreen from 17 to 23 November, ask at our friendly reception desk or the Learn to Swim wet decks.