The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) is joining forces with SunSense, the number one sunscreen in pharmacy (UK and Australia), to promote sun protection at the upcoming 2015 RYA Youth Nationals. This is the premier event in the UK youth sailing calendar and will be hosted by the WPNSA for a second consecutive year.
This April campaign will help educate over 350 young sailors on the dangers of sun exposure and how essential sun protection both on and off the water is. The activity on site at the WPNSA will highlight the importance of applying sunscreen and SunSense will also be giving away UV wristbands that turn blue when exposed to UV acting as a good reminder to reapply sunscreen.
Peter Allam, Chief Executive, WPNSA:
“Born from my personal experience of the serious consequences of sun damage to the skin, I feel it is our duty as the UK’s leading water sports venue, to raise awareness on the risks of UV and the serious health implications it can lead to. Working with the RYA we can communicate essential messaging to over 350 young sailors with the assistance of a global sunscreen brand”.
Every competitor will receive information on sun protection and SunSense samples as well as a white wristband upon registration that turns blue when exposed to UV light levels 2-3. It is a handy reminder to cream up before hitting the water as well as reapplying during extended periods afloat.
Stephanie Young, Marketing Manager, SunSense UK:
“We are proud to support the WPNSA in this endeavour to educate on the importance of sun protection. The aim isn’t to scare or take away from the fun, but simply to raise awareness of the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure and to encourage members to give consideration to their choice of sunscreen.
SunSense body range provides SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays and is water-resistant for four hours. It is also manufactured in Australia and tested to their stringent regulations and so is ideal for water sports enthusiasts looking for the highest level of protection.”
The waters of Weymouth and Portland will host racers from across six youth sailing classes, boys in the Laser Standards, girls and boys in Laser Radials and Neil Pryde RS:X windsurfers, and for all-boy, all-girl or mixed crews in 420s, 29ers and Spitfire multihulls.
Mark Nicholls, RYA Youth Racing Manger:
“Weymouth and Portland will once again provide an excellent venue for the RYA Youth Nationals and we are looking forward to another successful event”.