Former Phillies All-Star Mike Schmidt encourages sun safety

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- With the sound of a whistle, public pool season is officially underway.

Former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Mike Schmidt was the honored guest Monday at the kick-off celebration at Bridesburg Recreation Center's newly-renovated pool.

Schmidt came with a message about sun safety. Before baseball, he worked as a lifeguard and says over the years, he never wore sunscreen.

In 2013, he was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer.

He is now cancer-free and working with the RDK Melanoma Foundation He encourages everyone to protect their skin.

"If we can get kids wearing sunscreen, sun smart clothing, maybe we can save a few lives," he said.

City officials also unveiled a new sunscreen dispenser. They are trying to have more of these out at pools and parks in the city.