Sun Warning Flag
German Cancer Aid
HeimatTBWA\
Overview
A new kind of beach warning flag for the deadliest danger on the beach: UV radiation.
The Challenge
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people worldwide die from drowning, but eight times more die from skin cancer caused by the sun’s radiation. While beaches typically have warning flags for other dangers, they do not have one for the deadliest danger of all: cancer. It is abundantly clear that a new warning flag is needed.
The Solution
HeimatTBWA invented the Sun Warning Flag for the German Cancer Aid in order to warn beach goers when the UV radiation reaches a critical level.
The eye-catching design was inspired by the concept of melanoma and is meant to be displayed alongside other well-known warning signs such as green (low hazard), yellow (hazard), and red (high hazard) flags.
Now, individuals can either look out for the Sun Warning Flag or scan the QR code located at the bottom of the flag pole for detailed information on their location’s UV levels and helpful tips to protect themselves from the sun’s rays.
The Results
The Sun Warning Flag has officially been listed in beach warning flag compilations. The campaign garnered press coverage in 34 countries worldwide. Countries with access to the sea, in particular, stated the urgency of having the Sun Warning Flags at their beaches. A survey revealed that beachgoers approved of the flag and its intentions. 95% of respondents rated it as “very useful” and implemented proper protective measures after seeing it. Additionally, 89% stated that they would use more sunscreen.
In the summer of 2023, around 7.2 million people are expected to visit Germany’s Baltic Coast. These beachgoers will now be able to look out for the Sun Warning Flag at their beaches, and if they behave accordingly, protect themselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Because the most dangerous thing about the sea is not the sea. It’s the sun.
