Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide

Published on: October 21, 2025

Family of four on a beach with a sun screen bottle

Australian summer is here, and when it comes to longer days and plenty of time outdoors, it's important to remember the sun's rays can be as harmful as they are warm. Back in 1981, Cancer Council Australia introduced one of the country’s most iconic health campaigns with Sid the Seagull. Dressed in his beach-ready board shorts, t-shirt, and hat, tap-dancing across our TV screens to a catchy jingle, this would change how Aussies approach sun safety. His message was simple but powerful: three easy steps to protect against skin cancer, "Slip, Slop, Slap" wrapped up in a fun, memorable tune.

In 2007, this slogan was updated by adding "Seek, Slide" to highlight the importance of seeking shade and sliding on a pair of sunglasses to reduce the risk of sun damage.

SLIP on a shirt

When it comes to sun protection, the first step is simple: Slip on a shirt. It might sound basic, but choosing the right clothing can make all the difference when you're out in the sun. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts are your best friend, offering a physical barrier between your skin and harmful UV rays. Look for fabrics with a high UPF rating to maximise coverage—this means your clothing is designed to block out more of those damaging rays. The tighter the weave, the better the protection, but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice style or comfort. Whether you're hitting the beach, lounging poolside, or just enjoying the outdoors, slipping on the right clothing is your first line of defence in staying sun-smart and keeping your skin healthy.

SLOP on some sunscreen

In the Australian sun, slopping on sunscreen isn’t just a good idea, it’s an absolute must. With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Aussie summers can be harsh on your skin, making broad-spectrum sunscreen your best defence. Make sure you're using at least SPF 30+ and don’t be shy with it! Slather it on 20 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours—especially after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen helps protect against those harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging and skin cancer. Australia tops the charts for skin cancer rates, making sun protection more important than ever. With our love for the outdoors and plenty of sunshine, Aussies are exposed to some of the highest UV levels in the world, that's why slopping on sunscreen is so important in preventing the deadliest form of cancer.

SLAP on a hat

Your face, neck, and ears are some of the most vulnerable areas to sun damage and they’re often the hardest to protect with sunscreen alone. Slap on a hat to give yourself some extra protection from hitting those sensitive spots directly. A wide-brimmed hat is your best friend when it comes to blocking those harsh UV rays from hitting your skin directly. Wearing a hat is a crucial part of the sun-smart approach in Australia. It's not just about looking good, it's about being sun-safe, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and keeping your skin protected while enjoying the outdoors. Whether it’s a fedora, a wide-brimmed beach hat, or a sporty cap, make sure it's got a good wide brim to provide solid coverage.

Woman wearing sunglasses and an orange shirt outdoors with a blue sky background

SEEK shade

By 2007, the Cancer Council introduced another addition to their sun safety campaign, Seek. This is all about encouraging people to seek shade during the peak UV hours, typically between 10am and 4pm. Adding the Seek step was a game-changer because sunscreen and protective clothing alone aren't always enough in the Australian sun, especially at its harshest. Seeking shade gives your skin a well-deserved break from those intense UV rays, cutting down on your exposure and giving you extra protection when you need it most. It's all about being smart and taking refuge from the sun during those peak hours.

SLIDE on some sunglasses

Aussie sunshine can be harsh on your eyes, and that’s why you should slide on a good pair of sunglasses to give your eyes the protection they deserve. As another addition to the Cancer Council's sun safety campaign, sliding on a pair of sunglasses is extremely important to prevent serious damage to your eyes. Not only should your skin be shielded from the sun, but your eyes need protection too. Polarised lenses are a game-changer, cutting through the glare from the sun’s reflection off surfaces like water or the road. Not only do they reduce eye strain and improve clarity, but they also provide better UV protection, keeping your eyes safe from long-term damage. Polarised sunglasses have come a long way from being just a practical choice for outdoor activities, they've evolved into a fashion staple, combining advanced sun protection with cutting-edge style. As demand for sun protection has grown, brands have embraced the technology, incorporating polarised lenses into their most stylish collections without compromising on aesthetics.

In the Australian sun, protecting yourself isn’t just a good idea—it’s a must. The Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide campaign has made sun safety simple and easy to remember, covering all the essentials for staying protected while enjoying the outdoors. From slipping on a shirt and slopping on sunscreen to slapping on a hat, seeking shade, and sliding on your polarised sunnies, each step plays a key role in keeping your skin and eyes safe from harmful UV rays. So, the next time you’re out and about under the Aussie sun, make sure you’ve got these five steps covered.