Rhode Island Beaches To Offer Free Sunscreen

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Fittingly, the Ocean State has become the first in the country to offer beachgoers sunscreen, free of charge. On Monday, Governor Gina Raimondo and Senator Jack Reed announced that dispensers of certified natural, environmentally-friendly sunscreen will be made available at all state beaches, as well as several state parks, starting this summer.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the country's most common form of cancer. Each year, more than two million people nationwide are diagnosed with skin cancer and more than five million people receive treatment. Wearing sunscreen every day and re-applying during long periods of sun exposure are some of the best ways to prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

"Rhode Island's beautiful parks and beaches are some of our most treasured cultural and economic resources, drawing thousands of visitors from across the state and around the county," Gov. Raimondo said. "Offering complimentary sunscreen stations at our public recreation facilities is an important way we can help people of all ages protect themselves against skin cancer this summer."

The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Department of Environmental Management, The Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, Rhode Island-based South County Dermatology and Raw Elements USA, a certified natural sunscreen company founded by a long time Rhode Island lifeguard.

Senator Reed has long been a supporter of high sunscreen standards, co-authoring the Sunscreen Innovation Act in 2014 that helped increase sunscreen accessibility.

"I commend Governor Raimondo, the state, Raw Elements USA, and the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island for encouraging people to protect themselves and making sunscreen more accessible to all," Sen. Reed said. "Despite the not-so-sunny statistics about the increase in melanoma rates, there are steps we can all take to help prevent skin cancer and using sunscreen is one of the best ways to do that. These dispensers help raise awareness, encourage healthy habits, and offer beachgoers free sunscreen to protect themselves."

Raw Elements sunscreen is zinc oxide-based, complying with reef-safe sunscreen standards in Hawaii and Key West, Florida.

"Using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more is one of the most important things you can do to protect against skin cancer," said Rhode Island Department of Health Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott. "Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones and complexions, and the sun's ultraviolet rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Sunscreen is a powerful form of prevention that saves lives!"

Raw Elements already has been running a similar program at Narragansett town beaches, providing complimentary sunscreen to an average of 10 people per day over the past two years. The program has received positive feedback from both residents and tourists.

READ MORE: Rhode Islanders 'Appropriately Concerned' About Skin Cancer