Sunscreen Dispensers at State Parks Make It Easy to “Stay and Play Longer”

SPF dispenser at Waterbury Center State Park 

Summer in Vermont is in full swing, and people will be able to stay and play longer, safe under the sun – thanks to free sunscreen stations being installed in Vermont State Parks and several other recreational areas.

“We are always looking for ways to encourage people to spend time outdoors and enjoy everything Vermont has to offer,” said Craig Whipple, State Parks director for the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. “We’ve had a great run of beautiful, sunny days, and using sunscreen is an important part of being able to safely enjoy outdoor activities,” Whipple said. “We want to make sure no one has to call it a day just because they ran out of sunscreen.” 

The sunscreen stations are a joint effort by the Vermont Department of Health, State Parks and the skin cancer education and prevention organization IMPACT Melanoma. The stations are intended to provide convenient access to SPF 30 sunscreen, but they also to serve as a reminder of how important it is to protect your skin from exposure to the hot summer sun.

“Why are we doing this? The answer is simple,” said Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “Most skin cancers can be prevented.” Dr. Levine explained that by taking a few basic steps to protect yourself when outdoors, and avoiding indoor tanning booths, the chances of developing melanoma go way down.

“The good news is it’s easy to be sun smart,” said Dr. Levine. “Whenever you are outdoors –

in the mountains, at a park or out on the lake – apply and reapply sunscreen, seek out shade, wear a hat, sunglasses, and longer clothes when practical.”

Deb Girard is executive director of the national non-profit organization IMPACT Melanoma. She said they are pleased to be working with the Health Department to bring the sunscreen dispensers to parks and recreation areas around Vermont. “The sunscreen stations are a terrific way to deliver sun safety awareness to people when and where they most need to think about it,” said Girard. “Our goal at IMPACT Melanoma is to reduce the incidence of melanoma through education and early detection. This initiative is a creative and important way to help people understand the risk of skin cancer and what they can do to avoid it.”

Dr. Levine echoed Girard’s emphasis on early detection. “Prevention is key,” said Dr. Levine. “Do what you can to avoid overexposure to the sun, check yourself regularly, and talk with your health care provider if you have concerns about any skin discoloration.”

Find free sunscreen stations at Vermont State Parks and around the state: healthvermont.gov/summer-safety-tips.

Follow these simple steps for staying safe in the sun:

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher, even on overcast or cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after swimming, sweating or drying off.
• Seek shade, especially during midday hours.
• Be extra careful around surfaces that reflect the sun’s rays, like sand and water.
• Wear protective gear like a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses. Wear a t-shirt, beach cover-up, or even better, long-sleeved shirt and pants or long skirt.
• Skip the “base tan.” A tan indicates damage to your skin. Indoor and outdoor tanning are both dangerous. In 2012, Vermont became the second state to prohibit the use of commercial indoor tanning by youth under age 18.

The 2016-2020 Vermont Cancer Plan is Vermont’s roadmap for addressing cancer: healthvermont.gov/wellness/reports/cancer

Learn more about IMPACT Melanoma at impactmelanoma.org