Women’s sunrise ocean dip group Sea Gals among West Aussies taking on Daffodil Day Dip for cancer research

When the Sea Gals meet for a sunrise dip each week, the risk of melanoma is front of mind.

It it one of the reasons the women’s social ocean dip group decided to join WA’s first Daffodil Day Dip.

Swimmers across the country will don yellow swim caps and brave the icy water in the ocean, pool or even a chilly bath on Daffodil Day on August 21 to raise funds for Cancer Council.

The money raised will go towards life-saving research to create new treatments and improve cancer survival rates.

An estimated 14,000 West Australians are diagnosed with cancer every year, meaning everyday another 38 West Aussies will hear the words “you have cancer”.

Hundreds of girls, who are members of Sea Gals, run into the ocean across the State and country every week so founder Tara Jeisman said it was an easy decision for the women’s group to do a dip for a good cause.

Ms Jeisman said the fundraising dip was extra important to the group as melanoma, a deadly type of skin cancer, was common among beach lovers like themselves.

“For Sea Gals, the ocean is our office and melanoma is something that is so widespread,” she said.

“About 28,000 Australians per year get diagnosed with melanoma and so being sun safe and sun smart, it was just the perfect opportunity for us to highlight this through the dip.

“That’s why the girls are keen to get in the water to support a great cause.”

Cancer Council is hoping to raise $4 million nationally for life-saving cancer research through both the dip and other fundraising efforts like bake sales, wearing yellow, buying daffodils from Cancer Council or simply donating online.

Cancer Council WA engagement manager Kelly Langley said supporting Daffodil Day would give hope for a “cancer free future”.

To get involved visit, daffodilday.com.au