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SunSmart Programme

Protecting Bermuda's children today. Preventing skin cancer tomorrow.

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and most skin damage happens before age 18. Our SunSmart Programme teaches Bermuda's youth how to stay safe in the sun, building lifelong habits that can save lives. We work with schools, summer camps, and the community to make sun protection second nature, so our children can enjoy everything Bermuda offers without compromising their future health.

SunSmart Bermuda

WHY THIS MATTERS IN BERMUDA

Bermuda has a higher incidence rate of skin cancer than worldwide averages. Our island lifestyle means more time outdoors, more intense UV exposure, and greater risk, for everyone.

A critical truth: Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones. While Bermuda's population is 70% Black or brown-skinned, and darker skin does offer some natural UV protection, it doesn't provide complete immunity. In fact, when melanoma develops in people with darker skin, it's often detected later, in part because of the myth that "dark skin doesn't get skin cancer."

Reggae legend Bob Marley died at age 36 from melanoma that started under his toenail. His first doctor dismissed it as a football injury. By the time it was correctly diagnosed, it had spread throughout his body. His story reminds us that melanoma can develop in unexpected places on darker skin, under nails, on palms and soles, inside the mouth, often in areas that don't get much sun.

The facts:

  • Most skin damage occurs before age 18, regardless of skin tone
  • UV radiation damage in childhood increases skin cancer risk later in life
  • Early detection is critical for successful treatment
  • With the right protection and awareness, skin cancer is highly preventable

This is why we exist: to protect every person in Bermuda, regardless of skin tone, and to ensure that myths don't stand in the way of life-saving prevention and early detection.

FIVE SIMPLE SUNSMART STEPS Damage to our skin and eyes can lead to cancer. You can prevent this by following five simple behaviours: Slip on sun-protective clothing Slop on SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen Slap on a wide-brimmed hat Seek shade, especially between 10am and 4pm Slide on UV-protective sunglasses Learn more about prevention and early detection of skin cancer

BERMUDA'S UV INDEX — CHECK TODAY'S READING

In 2014, thanks to a private donor, BCHC purchased and now maintains the equipment used by the Bermuda Weather Service to provide current local UV readings—taken right here on island, not reported by an overseas weather service.

View today's UV reading

About UV Radiation | Protecting Yourself

What is the UV Index?

The UV Index represents the amount of skin-damaging UV radiation reaching the earth's surface at any moment. It's reported as a prediction of the UV level at noon, although actual UV levels rise and fall throughout the day.

Understanding UV Radiation

UVA — Principally responsible for ageing of the skin
UVB — Responsible for burning
UVA and UVB — Key contributors to skin cancer
UVC — Blocked by the ozone layer

UV Exposure and Vitamin D

Most people achieve adequate vitamin D levels through typical day-to-day outdoor activities. In summer, just a few minutes of sunlight on your face, arms, and hands each day (on either side of peak UV periods) is enough. Naturally dark-skinned individuals need slightly longer exposure.

You don't need to risk sun damage to get vitamin D, balance is key.

Check the UV Index when:

  • Planning outdoor activities or events
  • Involved in sports or recreation (running, swimming, cycling, team sports)
  • Watching spectator sports (tennis, cricket, sailing)
  • Working outdoors or responsible for outdoor workers
  • Responsible for children and their outdoor activities

 

Follow the Five SunSmart Steps:

  1. Slip on sun-protective clothing
  2. Slop on SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen
  3. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
  4. Seek shade, especially between 10am and 4pm
  5. Slide on UV-protective sunglasses

WE PROTECT AT EVERY AGE

SUNSMART IN SCHOOLS

Where sun safety becomes second nature.

Students are in school when UV radiation levels are at their peak. This makes schools uniquely placed to protect children during their most vulnerable years—and to teach sun protection behaviours that will last a lifetime.

Why Schools Matter

UV radiation damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with increased risk of skin cancer later in life. Your school can change this.

SunSmart accreditation assists schools in meeting duty of care requirements for sun protection and occupational health and safety (OHS) obligations in UV risk reduction—for both students and staff.

School Accreditation Programme

Accreditation is open to all local private and public schools. The process is straightforward, the impact is lasting.

Interested in accreditation? Email us at [email address]

FREE School Presentations

We offer brief 15-20 minute presentations to both public and private schools—at no cost.

What students learn:

  • The dangers of UV radiation
  • How to protect themselves when outdoors
  • Practical sun-safe behaviours for summer

How we deliver it:

  • Younger children enjoy a fun 'skit' format with our sing-along "Slip, Slap, Slop" jingle
  • Age-appropriate messaging that sticks
  • Interactive and engaging delivery

Schedule a school presentation

SUNSMART SUMMER CAMPS

Help make your camp a SunSmart camp.

Summer day camps offer unforgettable fun, learning, and outdoor adventure—but with all that sunshine comes the need for serious sun protection. Prolonged exposure can lead to lasting health issues, including sunburn, skin damage, and increased risk of skin cancer, especially for children.

Summer Camp Accreditation

By becoming a SunSmart accredited camp, you're not only protecting children today but helping to build lifelong sun-safe habits.

SunSmart Accreditation is awarded to camps that:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of sun-safe behaviours
  • Provide a sun-safe camp experience for all participants
  • Have a written Sun Protection Policy in place
  • Pass a spot check while camp is in session

Registration opens: April 1st
Registration closes: June 12th

Simple, Effective Sun Safety Strategies

What SunSmart camps do:

  • Ensure regular sunscreen use
  • Provide protective clothing guidance
  • Schedule regular hydration breaks
  • Create shade opportunities
  • Educate campers on sun-safe behaviours

These strategies are simple to implement and make a lasting difference.

Register Your Camp

Ready to join a growing community committed to children's health and wellbeing?

Register Your Camp

PREVENTION IS POSSIBLE EVERY AGE

It's never too late to start protecting your skin.

Although our SunSmart programme focuses on teaching Bermuda's youth, we know adults need this knowledge too. Skin cancer doesn't discriminate by age—and with the right knowledge and tools, we can all take proactive steps towards prevention and early detection.

FREE Presentations for Your Group

We offer free presentations for companies, organisations, and groups of friends to learn about skin cancer risk factors, prevention, and screening.

Our presentations cover:

  • Understanding UV radiation and skin cancer risk
  • Practical sun protection strategies
  • Early identification of skin cancer warning signs
  • How to conduct skin self-examinations
  • When to see a doctor

Designed to be:

  • Informative and evidence-based
  • Interactive and engaging
  • Practical and immediately actionable

Why This Matters for Adults

Many of us grew up without knowing the risks. We spent summers in the sun without protection, experiencing sunburns we thought were harmless. We know better now.

The truth:

  • Skin damage is cumulative—it builds over time
  • Past sun exposure increases current risk
  • Early detection saves lives
  • Prevention is always possible, regardless of age

Book a Presentation

Don't wait until it's too late. Take the first step towards a healthier, safer future.

Perfect for:

  • Workplace wellness programmes
  • Community organisations
  • Social groups and clubs
  • Sports teams
  • Any group that wants to learn

Book a SunSmart Presentation

BOOK TODAY By Phone: 236-1001
Email: sunsmart@chc.bm
Every conversation about sun safety is a step towards preventing skin cancer.

RELATED RESOURCES

Our SunSmart programme is funded by:

St Baldrick's Foundation

If you have questions about cancer, we have answers:

By Phone

441-236-1001

Online

Learning Centre Online Resources

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