The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has announced a partnership with Melanoma Institute Australia, aimed at promoting sun safety among boaters who enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both organisations to enhance public health and safety.
BIA CEO, Andrew Scott, said, “Our partnership with Melanoma Institute Australia aligns perfectly with BIA’s mission to promote a safe, responsible and enjoyable boating experience. By emphasising the importance of sun safety, we aim to protect our community and encourage healthy habits when out on the water via our member network and in our many initiatives to promote the boating lifestyle.”
In Australia, more than 85 per cent of the population live within 50km of the coast, so it is little wonder that almost 1 in 5 households can have a boat or watercraft and that approximately 5 million go boating each year. With an increasing number of people embracing boating year on year, the risk of sun exposure and its harmful effects, including melanoma, is a significant concern.
Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. One person is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes and one person dies from the disease every 6 hours. It is also the most common cancer in 20-39-year-old Australians.
Through this partnership, BIA and Melanoma Institute Australia will work together to raise awareness about sun safety practices, ensuring the boating industry is well informed to assist in the promotion of sun safety and for boaters to take the necessary steps to protect themselves when outdoors and on the water.
As part of this initiative, Melanoma Institute Australia will host a stand at the 55th Sydney International Boat Show from 1 – 4 August. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about effective sun protection strategies, receive educational materials, and participate in interactive sessions on sun safety.
Melanoma Institute Australia CEO Matthew Browne added; “We are delighted to be a charity partner for the Boating Industry Association and the Sydney International Boat Show which will put sun safety front of mind for thousands of boating enthusiasts. The sheer number of hours spent outdoors in the sun, combined with the reflection of UV from the water, makes boating a particularly high-risk activity in terms of sun exposure. We are urging everyone at this year’s Sydney International Boat Show to ‘get onboard with sun safety’ and give it the same importance as other life-saving safety measures when out on the water. We thank the Boating Industry Association for its ongoing support in helping us reach our mission of zero deaths from melanoma.’
Together, BIA and the Melanoma Institute Australia are committed to making a positive impact on public health and safety, ensuring the boating community can enjoy their passion while staying protected from the sun’s harmful effects.
