Episcopal Health Services (EHS) is once again teaming up with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and IMPACT Melanoma to provide free sunscreen dispensers along the Rockaway boardwalk for the summer 2025 beach season.
This marks the third consecutive summer that EHS has served as the sole sponsor of the initiative, which aims to improve public health by helping beachgoers reduce exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The program officially launched on Friday, May 23, during a press event that celebrated the opening of city beaches for the season.
The sunscreen stations, provided through IMPACT Melanoma’s national outreach program, are maintained throughout the summer by EHS and will remain available to Rockaway residents and visitors at designated points along the boardwalk.
“Melanoma of the skin is one of the top 10 most common cancer cases in the Rockaways, and Queens has the highest incidence rate in all of New York City,” said Dr. Shoni Rozenberg Seide, Associate Dermatology Program Director at EHS. “By making sunscreen available to those enjoying the boardwalk and beach this summer, we hope to limit exposure to harmful UV rays and lower the community’s risk of developing melanoma.”
According to the New York State Department of Health, more than 4,000 New Yorkers are diagnosed with melanoma each year, with men over age 50 at the highest risk. In Queens, recent data show that melanoma rates are above the citywide average, particularly in coastal communities like the Rockaways, where sun exposure is common.
“Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer* and access to sunscreen is a critical step in protecting our community,” said Dr. Donald T. Morrish, Chief Executive Officer of EHS. “We are proud to support this initiative with IMPACT Melanoma to ensure Rockaway residents and visitors have a safe and enjoyable summer.”
IMPACT Melanoma, a national nonprofit based in Massachusetts, partners with healthcare organizations and municipalities across the country to distribute public sunscreen dispensers and promote education on skin cancer prevention.
“IMPACT Melanoma is grateful for Episcopal Health Services’ commitment to providing sunscreen protection to the Rockaway community,” said Deb Girard, Executive Director of IMPACT Melanoma.
Beachgoers can expect to find the marked dispensers located at high-traffic areas near beach entrances and restrooms along the Rockaway boardwalk.
City beaches will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty during those hours. More information about beach rules and safety can be found at nyc.gov/parks.
