Health experts are asking the community to ensure children are 'SunSmart' this summer with adequate sunscreen protection.

The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre will for the first time this year provide sunscreen to youngsters at 30 schools and 50 summer camps, thanks to sponsorship from the Argus Group.

Launching the annual programme yesterday, a spokesperson said: "Due to an increase in sponsorship, the reach of this year's SunSmart Programme will double.

"The Argus sponsorship will provide for backup sunscreen supplies for 50 summer camps and 30 schools that participate in the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's SunSmart training sessions."

She said: "A camp counsellor in the 2008 season noted that many children forget to bring sunscreen or misplace it throughout the day. As a result, they are exposed to the sun's damaging rays."

SunSmart aims to educate the community on protecting children from skin cancer, with presentations to schools, day care centres, mother and baby groups, and camp sites.

The World Health Organisation estimates up to 65,161 people a year worldwide die from skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology reports melanoma is the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and those aged 15-29.

One in 58 men and women will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime.

"Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma," said Pauline Girling, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's marketing and public relations director.

"We are extremely grateful for the financial assistance of the Argus Group and their concern for the health and well-being of all children attending camp this summer. It may seem like a small thing, but when one considers how many children forget or misplace their sunscreen each day at a summer camp or school, it becomes more serious.

"We encourage everyone who is going to be out in the sun to apply at least 1 ounce of sunscreen to all exposed areas of the body half an hour before going outside.

"Moreover, they should reapply sunscreen every two hours while enjoying the outdoors. That is where some of our children can run into trouble.

"Having a mega-sized bottle of sunscreen on hand, which most camps have not had in the past, means counsellors and teachers can ensure all children are protected."

Michelle Brock Jackson, Argus Group's vice president of Group Insurance, said: "It is our pleasure to help the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre to provide backup sunscreen supplies to young people participating in summer camps and schools this summer.

"The SunSmart Programme provides an excellent service to our community and we commend the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre on this initiative."