Frequently Asked Questions

pool cool logoMy pool offers 6 swim classes.  Can we still do the Pool Cool program even though there are 8 lessons?

Certainly!  We know that all pools and swim lessons vary so you will need to decide what works best for your pool and schedule.  We made the materials easy to access and the lessons very short. We know that the kids and instructors want to get on with the swimming!  You can decide if you can squeeze in all of the lessons or make the program work for you.

What were the results of POOL COOL 1999?

Compared to a “control” program, POOL COOL succeeded in:

Improving children’s...

  • total sun protection habits
  • sunscreen use
  • shade-seeking

Improving parents’...

  • sun protection knowledge
  • sunscreen use
  • hat-wearing
  • Reducing rates of sunburns in moderate to high-risk kids.
  • Improving sun protection policies at swimming pools.

In addition:

  • The more parts of POOL COOL a child took part in, the greater the positive effects were.
  • The pools in POOL COOL changed, too – they were more sun- safe than before.
  • POOL COOL made a difference in both Hawaii and Boston, even though the climate and ethnic groups were very different.
What is the age range the Pool Cool program is intended for?

The program was written for children ages 5-10 but could certainly by used with 4 year olds if your swimming class is younger.

Are Pool Cool promotional items available for purchase?

Unfortunately, one can no longer purchase Pool Cool promotional items.  

Can I change some of the Pool Cool poolside activities?

Definitely yes!  Please let the Pool Cool activities be a starting point for you to get the fun ideas to reinforce the sun safety learning flowing.  You may know what will work best with the kids you are teaching and your pool community.

sun safety signsI really like the sun safety signs.  How can I print them? 

Depending on the size of the sign you want and your budget, you may need to find a printing center in your community where they would also be able to laminate it to last for the entire pool swimming season.  You can also just print them using a regular printer and cover them in clear tape or a plastic sleeve. Hanging them around your pool will certainly draw attention no matter how they are printed!

What is the best way to contact someone about Pool Cool?

Please email us at poolcool@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.  A staff member will try to respond within 2-3 business days.

What causes skin cancer?

Excessive exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the most important preventable cause of skin cancer.  Other possible causes include genetic factors and immune system deficiencies.

Who gets skin cancer?

Skin cancer can strike anyone.  Caucasians and other fair-skinned people are at much greater risk than others. The incidence of malignant melanoma doubled among whites between 1973 and 1995. Even among Caucasians, however, certain individuals are at higher risk than others.  For example:

  • If you have fair skin, your risk is twice as great as for someone with olive skin.
  • Redheads and blondes have 2-4 times the risk of developing skin cancer.
  • Excessive sun exposure in the first 10 to 15 years of life increases your chances of developing skin cancer threefold.
  • Your risk is 2 to 3 times higher if you grew up in a tropical or sunny climate.
  • You have a substantially increased risk of skin cancer if you have many moles, large moles, or atypical (unusual) moles.
  • Your risk is increased if your parents, children, or siblings have had skin cancer.
  • Your chances increase by 9 times if you’ve already had a malignant melanoma.
Can skin cancer be prevented?

A:   YES!  Because over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is thought to be the primary cause of skin cancer, health experts recommend the following precautions:

  • Avoid “peak” sunlight hours – 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.
  • Wear protective clothing, including a hat (preferably with a wide brim), a shirt, and shorts or pants during long periods of sun exposure.
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply 30 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
  • No shadow...seek the shade! If your shadow is shorter than you are, then the damaging rays of the sun are at their strongest and you’re likely to sunburn.
Can skin cancer be cured?

When detected early, surgical removal of thin skin cancers can cure the disease in most cases. Early detection is essential; there is a direct correlation between the thickness of the skin cancer and the survival rate. Dermatologists recommend a regular self-examination of the skin to detect changes in its appearance, especially changes in existing moles or blemishes. Additionally, patients with risk factors should have a complete skin examination by a dermatologist annually. Anyone with a changing mole should be examined immediately.