Sun Safety: How to Stay Cool, Comfortable and Burn-Free While Boating

While the warm rays of the sun are certainly nice, too much of a good thing can be, well, a bad thing. Not only is extreme heat uncomfortable, but too much sun exposure can cause wrinkles, dehydration and skin cancer.

If your boat dock for rent is anywhere in Florida, this post is for you (it’s called the Sunshine State for a reason). It’s really for everybody who enjoys boating, but South Floridians, listen up. Today, we’re going to go over a few ways to keep the sun at bay while boating.

Cover Up

Photo: Sandy Allen

This is the first and most obvious tip. Always, always, always wear sunscreen or sunblock. Along with your face and body, don't forget your ears, lips, back of your neck and the top of your head. The American Academy of Dermatology advises to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going out into the sun. This allows it to “set” and prevents it from getting washed (or sweated) off too quickly. If you apply right before you leave your boat dock rental, you'll be ready by the time you're out on the water. 

Along with applying it in the first place, you also need to remember to reapply. It’s easy to forget when you’re having fun in the sun. While snorkeling, your back and neck are exposed to the sun more than you realize. It’s suggested that you reapply every two hours. I would go with more than that, especially if you’ve been swimming or sweating.

You may be wondering what the difference is between sunscreen and sunblock. They both work to prevent sunburn, but they are slightly different. Sunscreen contains chemicals that absorb into your skin and absorb the UV rays to prevent burning. Sunblock works by staying on top and blocking the rays from penetrating the skin. Scientists say sunblock is best, but as long as you’re wearing one of them, you’re good to go. Broad spectrum sunscreen/sunblock provides protection from UVA and UVB rays. An SPF of 30 or higher is best.

If you do a lot of swimming, snorkeling and boating near coral reefs, you’ll want to be vigilant about choosing a reef-safe sunscreen. Chemicals in traditional sunscreen can damage coral and other marine life. Choose something with zinc oxide (which is mineral based). It's that thick white paste you've probably noticed lifeguards wearing. Called a “physical” sunblock, zinc oxide works by sitting on top of the skin and physically blocks rays by scattering them, which prevents the UV radiation from getting into your skin. It’s worthwhile to note that while zinc oxide is reef-safe, it’s toxic to dogs, so make sure you’re using canine-safe sunscreen on your dog’s nose.

Suit Up

Photo: Unsplash

Invest in apparel and accessories like long-sleeve t-shirts, rashguards, boardshorts, wide-brimmed hats and polarized sunglasses (which do double duty by reducing glare). Performance fabrics (that thin and silky fabric you often see people wear while fishing) make excellent cover-ups and all-around protective wear. They’re breathable, cool and moisture-wicking. The really great thing about performance fabric is that when it gets wet, it actually feels even cooler. Look for something with UPF 50 that’s loose fitting and has flatlock stitching.

Keep it Under Cover

In my opinion, a Bimini top is one of the best boating investments you can make. If your boat doesn’t come with one, they’re easy to install and not that expensive. Hardtops and T-tops are excellent ways for the boat captain and passengers to stay under cover. Another great tip I recently read is to keep an umbrella on board. It may not offer the widespread coverage of a Bimini top, but it can help in a pinch. Keep one stowed away and you'll always have it when you head out from the boat lift.

Time of Day

Photo: Sandy Allen

The main part of the day is the hottest and riskiest time for sunburn, so try to plan your outings for early morning or late afternoon (before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.). Obviously, this isn’t always possible, but it’s worth mentioning. An added bonus to these timeframes is that there will be less boaters at the ramp while you’re launching and retrieving your boat.

Drink Up

Photo: Unsplash

Don't leave your boat dock rental without packing a full cooler of water, and then remember to drink it. Alcohol doesn't count. That's actually the worst thing as far as dehydration goes.

Jot down some of our sun safety tips to use the next time you head out from a private boat lift for rent. Happy boating and stay safe out there!