Slip, Slop and Slap - what does it all mean?

3D Bowling pins

One of the country's most iconic public health and safety campaigns, the catchy Slip, Slop and Slap jingle dates back more than 30 years.

It's helped Aussies stay safe in the sun for decades, and while it's become part of our national culture, are you still aware of the finer details behind the message?

To make sure you and your family are protected while you're indulging in fun school holiday activities, here's a quick reminder of what it's all about!


When Sid the Seagull first debuted on our TV screens in the 80s, he started by urging us all to slip on appropriate clothing.

Keep your family fitted out in shirts to protect their bodies from the sun's rays - it can be easy to forget to keep covered when you're around the water. You should also slip on a pair of sunglasses to shade your eyes from harmful UV rays.


Slopping on sunscreen is one of the first things you should do before heading out.

There's good sunscreen and there's also useless sunscreen, though, so make sure you choose a good product that's at least SPF 30. Put on sunscreen roughly half an hour before stepping outdoors, remembering to reapply every two hours - more often if you've been swimming.


A hat is one of your best forms of defence against the sun.

Try to opt for one that gives as much protection as possible, covering your face, ears and neck, and stay in the shade as much as you can when you're outside.

If you're looking for a change from all that surf and sun this summer, why not try some indoor family activities as well, such as bowling? Just slip down to your nearest AMF, slop on some bowling shoes and slap those bowling balls down the lanes!