How to Protect Yourself from the Sun on a Boat

Top 5 Sun Safety Tips for Boaters

When you're out on the water, whether it's for boating, yachting, fishing, or sailing, you're exposed to intense UV rays from both the sun and its reflection off the water. Spending hours under these harsh conditions puts you at a higher risk for sunburn, sun damage, and, more seriously, skin cancer. That’s why practicing sun safety is crucial to protecting your skin during your boating adventures.

Here are the top 5 sun safety tips every boater should follow to stay safe on the water.

1. Apply Sunscreen Generously and Reapply Often

When you're on a boat, sunscreen is your first line of defense against the sun. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF50, like our SParms 100% Oragnic Sunscreen SPF50,  and don't forget to cover commonly neglected areas like your lips, head, tops of your ears, and feet. These areas are highly vulnerable to sunburn but are often missed during the initial application.

Make sure to:

• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out to allow it to fully absorb into your skin.
• Reapply every two hours, and more frequently if you're swimming, sweating, or wiping your skin with a towel.

Don’t forget to pack lip balm with SPF, as your lips are susceptible to UV damage too!

2. Wear UPF50+ Sun Protection Clothing

While sunscreen provides essential protection, wearing UPF50+ sun protection clothing, like SParms sun protection, ensures consistent coverage and reduces the need for constant reapplication. UPF50+ clothing is designed to block 98% of harmful UV rays, offering excellent protection for boaters.

Key items to wear include:

• Sun Sleeves: Lightweight, breathable, and UPF50+, these sleeves protect your arms from UV rays while allowing for full movement. Opt for sun sleeves with thumbholes for added hand coverage during activities like fishing or sailing.

• Shoulder Wraps: For extra movement and protection, shoulder wraps help shield your upper body, especially when you're out for long hours. They're a great addition for boaters looking to stay cool and covered.

• Gloves: UPF50+ gloves are often overlooked but essential when you're on the water. They protect your hands from sun damage while giving you the grip you need for steering or handling equipment.

• Leg Sleeves: Don’t forget about your legs! Leg sleeves provide extra protection for boaters who like to wear shorts, giving you full coverage from sun exposure while keeping your legs cool and comfortable.
  
  

3. Don’t Forget Commonly Neglected Areas

It’s easy to forget certain areas of your body when applying sunscreen, but some of these spots are the most vulnerable to sunburn and sun damage. Be sure to thoroughly cover:

• Lips: Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from cracking and burning.
• Head and Scalp: If you're not wearing a hat, your scalp is highly exposed to UV rays. Apply sunscreen to your scalp or wear a sun-protective hat.
• Ears: The tops of your ears often get overlooked, but they are prone to sunburn. Apply sunscreen or wear a wide-brimmed hat for full protection.
• Feet: Whether you're barefoot or wearing sandals, your feet are constantly exposed to the sun. Apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet and reapply often.
  
  

4. Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection

Sunglasses are an essential part of your boating gear. Not only do they protect your eyes from UV rays, but they also reduce glare from the water, making it easier to see and navigate. When choosing sunglasses, opt for lenses that offer 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from both UVA and UVB rays. Polarized lenses are a great option for boaters, as they cut down on glare from the water's surface, improving visibility and comfort.

5. Seek Shade and Stay Hydrated

While being out on the water can make it difficult to avoid the sun, try to take breaks in shaded areas of the boat whenever possible. If your boat doesn’t have built-in shade, consider using an umbrella or canopy to create a shaded spot. This gives you a chance to cool off and protect your skin from prolonged sun exposure.

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Dehydration can make you more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and fatigue, especially when you're out in the sun for long hours.

Conclusion: Be Sun Smart While Boating

Whether you're sailing, fishing, or enjoying a leisurely day on a yacht or dinghy, protecting yourself from the sun should be a top priority. Sunburn and sun damage not only cause discomfort but also increase your risk of skin cancer over time. By following these sun safety tips, including applying sunscreen, wearing UPF50+ sun protection clothing like sun sleeves, shoulder wraps, and gloves, and using sunglasses with UV protection, you can enjoy your time on the water while keeping your skin safe.

Remember, being out on a boat exposes you to direct sunlight and reflected UV rays from the water, making it even more important to take extra precautions to protect your skin. Stay sun-safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy your time on the water with peace of mind.

For premium UPF50+ sun protection clothing, check out SParms’ range of sun sleeves, gloves, and shoulder wraps—perfect for your next boating adventure!