There are free sunscreen dispensers in these Maritime communities

First at Five looks at the importance of sun protection – especially this time of year.

A national public sunscreen dispenser program is expanding to add 20 new dispensers across Canada this year, some of which are heading to Wolastoqey/Wostak First Nation in New Brunswick.

Run by the not-for-profit Save Your Skin Foundation (SYSF), the program now has more than 100 dispensers nationwide since it began in 2022.

“The dispensers offer free, publicly accessible sunscreen in parks, beaches, recreational facilities, festivals, and underserved communities, helping Canadians reduce their risk of skin cancer,” reads a news release from SYSF.

The dispensers, which are automatic and touchless, release SPF 30 sunscreen approved by Health Canada. SYSF says the sunscreen is zinc-oxide based and free from chemical sunscreen filters, common allergens and toxic ingredients.

There are dispensers for the following locations across the Maritimes, though some may not be set up yet this season:

Nova Scotia

• Glasgow Square Theatre in New Glasgow
• Rotary Park along the Samson Trail in New Glasgow
• Acadia Park and the splash pad in Westville

New Brunswick

• Brundage Point River Centre in Grand Bay- Westfield
• Tail Whip Park / Splash Pad in Grand Bay- Westfield
• Lion’s Community Park in Riverview
• Wolastoqey/Wostak First Nation
• Fairs across the province

P.E.I.

• PEERS Alliance office in Charlottetown
• PEERS Alliance office in Summerside
• Summerside Turf Field
• Leger Park in Summerside
• Summerside Boardwalk

Kathy Barnard, founder and president of the foundation, says reaching 100 dispenser locations is an exciting milestone.

“Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Canada, yet it is also one of the most preventable,” she says. “By making sunscreen readily available in the places where people live, work, play, and gather, we’re helping remove barriers to sun protection and encouraging healthier habits.”

Experts in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) predict 11,300 Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer this year, compared to 10,800 last year.

“Even though we know that 90% of skin cancer is caused by exposure to UV rays, Canadians are spending more time in the sun and skin cancer rates rise every year,” says the SYSF.

The foundation recommends Canadians protect their skin by limiting time in direct sunlight, wearing protective clothing, using generous amounts of broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen, and checking for moles.

Canadians can find a free sunscreen dispenser by using the Sunny Buddy app, which maps out sunscreen dispenser locations.

‘Always a yes for us with sunscreen’

Many in Moncton, N.B., were enjoying the sunshine and taking precautions on Monday as the temperature sat around 20 C.

Lisa Robichaud brought her two kids to Centennial Pool and made sure they had plenty of sunscreen on.

“It’s always a yes for us with sunscreen. Certainly with the UV that can be high,” says Robichaud.

Christina Metcalfe and her daughter Andie were also at the pool.

“We put sunscreen on the kids when the sun is out in the summertime. So, we have stuff on her face and usually it’s SPF 50 or anything that we can get,” says Metcalfe.

Alissa Lewis brought her daughter Harper to Centennial Park. She says they usually wear sunscreen.

“She has her sunglasses and a nice hat because we spend a lot of time at the beach and at waterparks,” Lewis says.

Leanne Samson was soaking up the sun at the park on Monday, but with protection.

“I believe I need to take care of my skin for as long as I possibly can,” she says. “I like the heat so I’m fairly confident that I can stay in the heat a long time, but I would re-apply the lotion, for sure.”

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.