Turtle shells out sunshine safety tips

Undercover Cody, the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society’s SunSmart turtle mascot, was back visiting schools in Matamata ahead of a hot summer.

Undercover Cody visited both Wairere and Firth schools while promoting his new book, Hiss Pop Splat. The book tour builds on the momentum of the society’s SunSmart Grant Scheme which has helped 59 schools throughout the region to buy sun protection resources during the past year.

With the help of the grants, schools have been able to buy sunhats and portable or permanent shade structures, or to upgrade their existing shade. The tour will visit most of the schools that received a grant to celebrate their involvement in the SunSmart Schools programme and to acknowledge their commitment to keeping their students safe in the sun while at school.

‘‘There are currently 247 schools in the region that are part of the SunSmart Schools programme,’’ society spokeswoman Rachael Mounsey said. ‘‘The book tour will also visit some of the 154 schools which are not yet accredited to promote the programme and get schools thinking about their sun safety.’’