Be a sunsmart backpacker. Don't become a red lobster as soon as you arrive Downunder! The true dangers in Australia are the Sun & Surf: Skin cancer is a major concern for us Aussies.Almost all of us will have experienced a painful dose of sunburn at some stage in our lives. In fact an average of 5.6 million Australians get sunburnt every summer.
	You would think that we would learn.... So what can you do?? " SLIP / SLOP / SLAP " Slip on a Shirt Slop on some Sunscreen Slap on a Hat

Sunburn is your skin's reaction to ultraviolet radiation or 'UV'. Step outside without any form of protection, and UV will immediately start to penetrate deep into the layers of your skin.

In reaction to UVB, the top layers of your skin will release chemicals that cause your blood vessels to expand and leak fluids, causing inflammation, pain and redness—otherwise known as sunburn. This type of damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes and will continue to develop for 24 to 72 hours after exposure to the sun.

Sounds gross - but damaged skin cells will self-destruct and peel off in tatty sheets. Although peeling is unsightly, it is actually your body's way of getting rid of damaged skin cells that could potentially develop into cancers.

All types of sunburn, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage. Further sunburn only increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

Most people get sunburnt when the temperature is between 18 and 27 degrees. You are most likely to get burnt when taking part in passive activities like relaxing with a book, watching the cricket or sitting in the park. By being aware of these facts and protecting your skin every day, you can avoid sunburn and lower your risk of skin cancer.

Play it Safe by the Water!

Always remember to swim between the flags.....patrolled beaches If you are not on a patrolled beach, then understanding the ocean is very important. The more you know about how waves, wind and tides affect conditions in the water, the better able you are to keep yourself safe, or even rescue others from danger.

Ten Surf Safety Hints

1. Always swim or surf at places patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards.

2. Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest area to swim.

3. Always swim under supervision or with a friend.

4. Read and obey the signs.

5. Don't swim directly after a meal.

6. Don't swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

7. If you are unsure of surf conditions, ask a lifesaver or lifeguard.

8. Never run and dive in the water. Even if you have checked before, conditions can change.

9. If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic. Raise your arm for help, float and wait for assistance.

10. Float with a current or undertow. Stay calm. Don't try to swim against it. Signal for help and wait for assistance.

Rips

A rip is a strong current running out to sea. Rips are the cause of most rescues performed at beaches. A rip usually occurs when a channel forms between the shore and a sandbar, and large waves have built up water, which then returns to sea causing a drag effect. Rips are dangerous as they can carry a weak or tired swimmer out into deep water. The larger the surf, the stronger the rip.

Surf Skills

Body surfing is riding waves without any equipment. You need skill to know how to catch the wave at the right time, using its energy for propulsion. The skills required to become a good body surfer come from just one thing: Practice.

Spilling waves are best for body surfing, but if you can catch a plunging wave you can avoid injury by somersaulting out before it breaks.

1. As the wave is almost upon you, push off the bottom or start swimming toward shore until you feel the wave begin to lift and carry you.

2. As the wave breaks, take a breath, put your head down and kick hard until your body breaks through. Your feet should be together, your back arched slightly and your arms extended in front of you. As the wave becomes steeper, tilt forward and surf along the wave's face.

3. You will probably have to paddle a bit to hold your position on the wave. Try to keep your body straight.

4. As you approach the beach, pull out of the wave by turning your body away from the wave's breaking force, or jack-knife dive and let the wave pass over your body.