{"id":401784,"date":"2026-01-09T10:38:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T10:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/401784\/"},"modified":"2026-01-09T10:38:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T10:38:15","slug":"common-coolcabana-myth-busted-after-aussie-mans-beach-nightmare-only-two-hours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/401784\/","title":{"rendered":"Common CoolCabana myth busted after Aussie man’s beach nightmare: ‘Only two hours’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aussies are being warned about a little-known “myth” about sun<\/a> protection after a bloke discovered it the hard way. Max thought he could escape the sun’s rays when he popped to Perth’s famed Cottesloe Beach last week as he was sat under a CoolCabana the whole time<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Despite being in the shade, he still received horrific burns on his back. The WA resident told Yahoo Lifestyle it certainly isn’t a mistake he will make again.<\/p>\n

“The experience has been a clear reminder of the importance of comprehensive sun protection, even when you think you may not need it. Slip, slop, slap,” he said.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/p>\n

Before leaving the house on Sunday, January 4, he whacked sunscreen onto his face and neck, but missed the rest of his body.<\/p>\n

Max felt it wouldn’t be too much of an issue because he was going to be predominantly in the shade.<\/p>\n

On that day, the maximum temperature for Perth was 32 degrees, according to the Bureau of Meteorology<\/a>, however, it’s unclear what the UV rating was that day.<\/p>\n

“We spent probably just over two hours at the beach,” he told Yahoo Lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story? Email stew.perrie@yahooinc.com<\/p>\n

“Most of that time was spent sitting under the cabana, only leaving it to swim.”<\/p>\n

He reckons he would’ve been in the water only for about 10 to 15 minutes and returned to the shade of the cabana after each dip.<\/p>\n

“Despite the heat, I didn\u2019t immediately notice any discomfort at all. I didn\u2019t feel the burn that you usually would, especially in Perth,” he added.<\/p>\n

“And let\u2019s be real, Perth heat is no joke. The UV exposure never even crossed my mind.”<\/p>\n

He said the sunburn at the moment isn’t too horrific, but he notices it mostly when he’s lying down and it “feels like I\u2019m sleeping on sharp pins”.<\/p>\n

How can you get burnt while in the shade?<\/p>\n

While there were a few moments where his skin was exposed to the sun, the extremity of his burns made it look like he was running around outside for hours.<\/p>\n

But his experience has unearthed a commonly held belief that shade equals sun protection.<\/p>\n

Some cabana products have up to UPF 50+ ratings for those sitting underneath them, which means they are able to filter out 98 per cent of UV rays.<\/p>\n

UPF is ultraviolet protection factor, and it’s a similar rating system to SPF, but focuses on how much protection fabric can offer.<\/p>\n

Cancer Council Victoria said<\/a> it’s a “myth” that you can escape being burnt if you’re sitting in the shade.<\/p>\n

“Actually, it\u2019s UV radiation \u2013 not sunlight \u2013 that damages your skin,” the organisation said.<\/p>\n

“Even though we can\u2019t see or feel them, UV rays reflect off surfaces like sand, water and even grass.<\/p>\n

SHOP:<\/p>\n

“So while a leafy tree or shade sail will block some UV rays, others will bounce from those sunny areas to reach your skin.<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s why you should always use all five sun protection measures \u2013 clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and shade \u2013 for the best protection.”<\/p>\n

You can also get burnt when it’s cloudy<\/a>, which is why it’s important to keep an eye on the UV rating if you’re out and about.<\/p>\n

In an article for The Conversation<\/a>, University of Queensland professor of dermatology, H. Peter Soyer, and PhD candidate Katie Lee revealed sand can reflect up to 18 per cent of UV rays that hit the ground.<\/p>\n

Concrete and the ocean<\/a> can reflect up to 10 per cent each.<\/p>\n

This means you could be copping the harmful effects of the sun from different angles, not just from up above.<\/p>\n

Max reckons this is what made his burn go from a light rouge to lobster red, especially for his back.<\/p>\n

He said his back was facing outwards towards the water and the sunlight likely reflected onto his skin without him noticing it.<\/p>\n

Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure to follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram, <\/a>and TikTok<\/a>. <\/p>\n