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7 Summer Boating Tips to Beat The Heat

Dec 8, 2022

As the hottest days of summer roll around, with temperatures soaring to an all-time high, you’ll be looking for ways to stay cool. Trips to the beach are fun, but beating the heat on a boat ride with your friends and family has many more charms to offer. Whether you’re fishing, taking a nap, or reading a book, there are plenty of ways to stay cool and safe on your next boating trip in the summers.

Try These Summer Boating Tips

Stay hydrated

Being in, or near, the water is not enough to keep you hydrated. When you’re sweating, you tend to lose important water and electrolytes that need to be replenished regularly when you’re out in the sun. Keep drinking water and stay hydrated so you can maximize the fun!

Don’t skip the sunscreen

Just because you’re planning on wearing a big hat doesn’t mean you can avoid sunscreen. Slather it on all your exposed skin – your face, arms, legs, stomach, and neck—and keep reapplying it after every few hours. You can never be too safe when it comes to the sun.

Don’t forget your lips either; keep an SPF lip balm that you can use to protect your lips as well.

Get the right accessories

Anything that can shield you from direct sunlight is a blessing. Getting a big hat that covers your face and neck will save you from painful sunburn; don’t forget your sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harmful UVA and UVB rays either.

Dress accordingly when boating

Dress accordingly

To avoid sunburn and unflattering tan lines, opt for clothes that provide you coverage and protection from the sun. Full sleeved shirts and full-length pants in loose-fitting, breathable fabrics will keep you cool and shielded.

White – and other light-colored clothing – reflect light. This makes them ideal options to keep you cool on your summer boating trip. So ditch your all-black wardrobe and opt for a breezy pastel shirt instead.

Know when to stop

There’s plenty to do on a boat to keep you entertained; take breaks from being out on the deck during the hottest time of the day and head inside to relax for a while. This way you’ll avoid the heat and recharge for some more fun!

Dive in

Dive in the water to cool off

There’s nothing like diving into the cool water on a hot day. When the heat is getting to you, take a dip and refresh yourself by splashing around for a while.

Cool off

A classic trick to avoid getting a heatstroke is to wet a towel or cloth and place it on your neck; the evaporating water will cool down your body and lower your temperature. If you don’t want to have a soaked cloth plopped onto your neck, you could opt for an ice pack for a similar cooling effect.

Beating the heat is one aspect of staying safe on a boat; our online boating safety courses give you holistic lessons on how you can be better prepared. Use the free study guide to brush up on your boating safety education and get your license in no time.