Santee Lakes Encourages Sun Safety With Free Sunscreen Program

SANTEE, CA — Santee Lakes is expanding its sun safety efforts in partnership with IMPACT Melanoma as part of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May.

The partnership, which began in 2024, focuses on increasing awareness of skin cancer risks and promoting prevention through year-round sun-safe habits, including sunscreen use, protective clothing and seeking shade.

As part of the initiative, three free sunscreen dispensers are currently installed at the park's Sprayground, boat dock and pool areas.

Additional dispensers are planned, spokesperson Shawna Fakhouri told Patch. Santee Lakes has received a new grant from IMPACT Melanoma and the Grossmont Healthcare District valued at approximately $13,000. The funding will support additional sun protection resources, including sunscreen dispensers and refills, cabanas and giveaways.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills about one person every hour nationwide. However, skin cancer, including melanoma, is treatable when detected early.

The initiative also highlights the risks for young people, as skin cancer is the second most common cancer among people ages 15 to 29.

Visitors to Santee Lakes are encouraged to use the sunscreen stations and practice sun safety throughout the year.