Santee Lakes is expanding its sun-safety effort with free sunscreen dispensers now available at three busy park areas: the Sprayground, boat dock and pool areas.

The program is part of a partnership with IMPACT Melanoma during Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, according to Patch. The partnership began in 2024 and focuses on year-round prevention habits, including sunscreen use, protective clothing and seeking shade.

Santee Lakes spokesperson Shawna Fakhouri told Patch that additional dispensers are planned. The park has received a new grant from IMPACT Melanoma and the Grossmont Healthcare District valued at about $13,000 to support more sun-protection resources, including sunscreen dispenser refills, cabanas and giveaways.

For Santee families heading to the lakes as temperatures climb, the dispensers add a practical reminder at the places where kids and visitors are most likely to be outdoors for long stretches. Visitors are still encouraged to bring their own sun protection and use shade when possible.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patch reported that melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills about one person every hour nationwide but is treatable when detected early.