The iconic Coogee Island Challenge, an annual open water swim event, will for the first time adopt specific sun-safe strategies to protect participants and volunteers from overexposure to UV.
This year’s Coogee Island Challenge on Sunday, 24 November, comes at the end of National Skin Cancer Action Week. An estimated 1,800 people are expected to take part in the event, which includes an 800m, 1km, or 2.4km swim.
Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA), leading advocacy organisation Skin Check Champions, and local ocean swimmer and melanoma survivor Anne Gately have teamed up to work with the organiser, Coogee Surf Life Saving Club, to boost sun safety at the event.
Specific sun-safe strategies adopted include providing shade structures in the marshalling area, briefing all volunteers on sun safety requirements, and PA announcements drawing attention to the UV index and the need for competitors to reapply sunscreen after their race.
“We are delighted to have made simple but impactful changes to how we run the Coogee Island Challenge to provide added sun protection for all involved,” said Ben Heenan, President of Coogee Surf Life Saving Club.
Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. One person is diagnosed every 30 minutes, and one person dies every six hours from the disease. It is the most common cancer in 20-39-year-olds.
Coogee local Anne Gately was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma in 2018. She completed the Coogee Island Challenge just 103 days later, following successful immunotherapy treatment under the care of MIA Co-Medical Director and 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Georgina Long AO.
Anne will take part in the 1km swim alongside Professor Long, herself an Australian representative triathlete and vocal advocate for improved sun safety. They will be joined by Olympic swimmer and MIA Ambassador Sam Short, who was diagnosed with melanoma at the age of 18.
“If we are to reach zero deaths from melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, it is vital that sun safety is prioritised across all facets of Australian life, including in sport,” said Professor Long.
To reinforce the sun-safe message, Melanoma Institute Australia will take its popular ‘Sun Safe Island’ activation to Coogee Beach for the event, where participants can learn about the importance of following the five sun-safe rules and also have the chance to win sunscreen and hats.
Free skin checks will be provided throughout the day by Skin Check Champions, a not-for-profit organisation that advocates for sun safety and early detection of melanoma.
“Just as prevention is critical to saving lives, so too is early detection of melanoma, and we encourage locals to come down, learn about sun safety, and also get their skin checked,” said Skin Check Champions CEO and Founder Scott Maggs.
“I see skin cancer as a WE problem, not just a ME problem,” added Anne. “That’s why I’m so pleased we are working together on this event to help bring about change.”
For more information:
Anne Gately, melanoma survivor and author of ‘Sunburnt’ – www.annegately.com.au
Melanoma Institute Australia https://melanoma.org.au/
Skin Check Champions https://skincheckchampions.com/
Coogee Island Challenge https://coogeeoceanevents.com.au/
For media enquiries, please contact Anne Gately at anne@annegately.com.au or 0407 906 730.
