Red Cross campaign to warn sunbathers of the dangers of over exposure

PALMA
THE Red Cross will be launching a campaign to warn bathers on Balearic beaches of the risks they run if they stay in the sun too long.
Red Cross Vice-president in the Islands, Emilio Medina, teamed up yesterday on Can Pere Antoni beach in Palma with the regional President of Spanish Cancer Association (AECC), Teresa Martorell. They signed a collaboration agreement to underline the dangers of just what the sun can do to human skin if protective measures aren't taken. So as of 25th June, beaches in Palma, Pollensa, Capdepera, Soller and Llucmajor - all managed by the Red Cross - will have information stands by their lookout towers and first aid stations where bathers can pick up advice leaflets. Red Cross personnel and volunteers will be attending an AECC course on the 24th June so that they are prepared to brief the public. The campaign will be running to 30th September.

Whilst acknowledging the health benefits the sun can bring, the Spanish Cancer Association is primarily concerned with raising awareness about the risks of skin scancer and the greater vulnerability that some skin types have over others. The campaign is being directed on two fronts: one to the Red Cross workers themselves who by the nature of their work are out in the sun all day, and the other to the general public.