Lake Cowichan gets free sunscreen dispensers

Six free sunscreen dispensers are being installed in Lake Cowichan after it teamed up with a non-profit organization that aims to help protect people from harmful rays.

Mayor Tim McGonigle said the town thought the Save Your Skin Foundation’s sunscreen initiative was a great idea to combat skin cancer.

The product used is also “river-safe and fish-safe,” he said, adding: “That was very important as well.”

Lake Cowichan will receive free dispensers and sunscreen through to the summer of 2025 from the foundation, said organization spokesperson Katie Dennis.

In Lake Cowichan, the dispensers will be set up in Lakeview Park, Central Park, Riverside Park and Saywell Park. Dispenser sites are chosen by communities.

Dispensers are automatic and touchless and contain Health Canada-approved SPF 30 sunscreen that is zinc-oxide based and free from chemical sunscreen filters, common allergens and toxic ingredients, Dennis said.

In the past, the organization contacted communities to see if they were interested in the program but it has now grown to the point where local governments are approaching the foundation, she said.

Dennis said the hope is that the convenience of the dispensers will make people more proactive about using sunscreen.