By: Olivia Hudak on April 22nd, 2022

Sun Protection Necessities for Boating

The days are starting to get warmer and the sun is shining for longer hours during the day. That’s right, summer is just around the corner for all of us. For everyone preparing to enjoy a boat, it’s, by far, the best time of the year. 

With long summer days and the endless sun just a few weeks away, you’ll want to be totally prepared. As nice as a warm sunny day is, it can turn painful very quickly if you don’t protect yourself from the sun.

Bad sunburns can turn into sun poisoning and ruin days of boating. Plus both cause a lot of pain and discomfort which is never enjoyable. Especially if you were planning on spending multiple days out in the sun on your boat. 

To help avoid ending up with a bad sunburn, I’m here to tell you all the different ways you can protect your skin while out on the boat. That way you can spend more time out on the boat and less time worrying about ending up with a sunburn. 

Sunscreen is a Must

The first thing I recommend is to invest in some good sunscreen. When it comes to spending hours upon hours in the sun, this is a crucial step. Sunscreen will help protect your skin against harmful sun rays.

Depending on the body of water you’re planning on boating in, be sure to check if they have laws or regulations about sunscreen. Some sunscreens have harmful chemicals that can harm coral reefs. Many coastal areas recommend reef-friendly sunscreens for this reason. 

Another part of using sunscreen is that you’ll have to re-apply every couple of hours. This is extremely important if you are in and out of the water. Although many sunscreen brands claim to be water-resistant, it is still a great idea to re-apply when you get out of the water. 

Even if it’s not a very sunny day out, harmful UV rays can still harm your skin. If you plan to be out on the water, it’s always a good idea to have sunscreen. It will save you from painful sunburns and discomfort later.

Protect Your Head

Another great way to protect yourself against the bright sun is to wear a hat. If you’re headed to your boat be sure to grab your favorite hat. Not only will it protect your skin but it will also help protect your eyes.

It doesn’t matter whether you want to wear a big sun hat or would rather stick to the classic baseball cap. Whichever style you prefer, it will be perfect for a day out on the boat.

I am personally not a hat person but if I plan on being out on a boat for several hours at a time, I’m sure to bring one with me. The top of my head is extra sensitive to the sun and always seems to burn if I’m not careful. That is one of my least favorite things so I’m sure to protect the top of my head while out in the sun. 

After the top of your head burns once, I’m sure you’ll be in the same boat as me. Hats are a necessity for long hours in the sun. You can never go wrong with a hat while out on a boat.

Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses are an absolute must on a boat. Bright sunny days can make it very difficult to see. That could be a big problem especially if you’re driving the boat. It also makes for an unpleasant day if you can’t see because of how bright it is outside.

Be sure to grab your favorite pair of sunglasses before you head out on the boat. I typically choose to wear a pair of cheap sunglasses so if I drop them in the water on accident it isn’t such a big deal. Regardless of your style, be sure you always have sunglasses with you on the boat. 

To provide extra protection against the sunny rays, check out purchasing a pair of polarized sunglasses. These will help reduce the glare of the sun that bounces off the water. These sunglasses are great for boating no matter where you live. 

UV Protection Clothing

Another option to consider when thinking about sun protection is UV protection clothing. These clothes are specifically made to protect your skin against the sun while also keeping you cool in the summer heat. A great idea for long hours on the boat. 

You can find anything from long sleeves to swimwear that is all meant to protect you from UV rays. These products are great for long days spent out on the water. These clothes can greatly reduce your chances of ending up with a bad sunburn.

UV protection clothing is also great for kids. A lot of parents love to use these on young children that have sensitive skin. It makes everyone's time in the sun more enjoyable. 

Find Some Shade

The best way to avoid a sunburn is to spend more time in the shade than in the sun. This is a great way to protect yourself from the sun. It is also very relieving to relax in the shade on a hot sunny day.

Most boats have a bimini installed to provide a source of shade while spending time on the boat. These are great for long hours spent in the summer sun. These allow you to enjoy your boat while also giving you a break from the hot sun. 

Bimini’s are great for sandbars or a nice slow cruise around. If you plan on going fast with your bimini, be sure to check your boat manufacturer's recommendation. Some recommend only opening your bimini at slower speeds. Check it out before you speed around with the bimini open.

Vitamins as Protection

Another way to provide protection against the sun that you may not think about is to eat special foods that are high in antioxidants. Foods that are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Carotenoids, and omega-3 help your body protect itself from the harmful effects of the sun.

Foods that provide these vitamins include fruits and vegetables, nuts, and fish. These are all a great source of the vitamins your body needs to better protect itself. A simple diet change may provide extra strength against the summer sun. 

However, with only changing your diet to include these vitamins, I do not recommend solely relying on it to protect you from the sun. It would still be a good idea to consider other tactics as well. Sunscreen and UV protection clothing may be what you need to avoid a painful sunburn.

Treating a Sunburn

I have sensitive skin so no matter how hard I try to avoid a sunburn, it inevitably still occurs from time to time. Minor sunburns are inconvenient and unpleasant but severe sunburns can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Minor sunburns subside in a few days and aren’t a huge concern. 

Aloe is your best friend when it comes to treating a sunburn. It will provide relief and it will cool your skin. Even if your skin isn’t burnt, it never hurts to apply aloe after a long day in the sun. It will help your skin stay healthy.

If it causes a lot of discomfort, it wouldn’t hurt to take ibuprofen or aspirin. These will help reduce the irritation caused by a sunburn. 

If a sunburn is blistering and causing a fever, it would be good to reach out to a doctor. This could be a sign of sun poisoning. Sun poisoning can cause major discomfort and a lot of pain so a doctor can help figure out the best way to treat it. 

Boating in the Sun

There’s nothing better than a bright sunny day on the boat. Sunny days are the most beautiful days when out on the water. You can really get the most out of your boat on these amazing days. 

Beautiful sunny days are amazing which is why you don’t want it to be ruined by a painful sunburn. You will want to protect your skin and eyes from the sun. This way you can enjoy many days on the boat. 

Always be prepared when you head out on the water. Have everything you need to keep yourself and everyone else on your boat comfortable. It’s always a good idea to keep sunscreen stored on your boat so people can re-apply as needed. 

It’s also a great idea to remind people to bring a hat and sunglasses. A beautiful day can turn bad in a matter of minutes if people aren’t prepared for the bright sun. Sun is a wonderful thing but it also needs to be respected as it can cause painful damage. 

By considering all the ways to protect yourself against the sun, you’ll be able to spend many hours on your boat. You will be able to enjoy your boat without worrying about ending up with a sunburn. Spending time on your boat will be as enjoyable as ever.