Sunscreen Dispensers Return To RI State Beaches

NARRAGANSETT, RI — After seeing more than 75,000 uses last summer, complimentary, environmentally safe sunscreen is returning to RI state beaches and parks starting this weekend.

Raw Elements USA will be providing the sunscreen in touch-free container as a way for those enjoying the outside to protect themselves against the dangers of skin cancer. The dispensers will be available starting Sunday.

"As we continue to deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis, we also must remember to use sunscreen to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer," said Gov. Gina M. Raimondo. "I'm proud that we'll be offering no-cost sunscreen stations at our parks and beaches again this year. We thank Raw Elements for using new, touch-free dispensers to safely help thousands of visitors take the first step toward preventing skin cancer."

Overexposure to the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the U.S. RI has found a way to provide the sunscreen to visitors in a touch-free manner amid the coronavirus crisis.

"We have worked incredibly hard to find the best automatic, touch-free dispensers out there in order to ensure we were able to keep protecting Rhode Island for 2020," said Brian Guadagno, who is the founder of Raw Elements Natural Sunscreen. "As a longtime Narraganset ocean lifeguard, this initiative is close to home. It feels great to help everyone in the state protect themselves and our oceans."

This initiative will be funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, through a federal Comprehensive Cancer Control cooperative agreement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (NU58DP006291-03-00), as well as by investment from South County Dermatology and Raw Elements