Sun Protection For Boaters
While owning a boat opens up a lot of fun and exciting opportunities, one thing that isn’t so fun is having to deal with a sunburn. Boaters can experience significant sun damage if proper precautions are not taken, and that’s why Active Water Sports has created this guide to sun protection while boating.
1. Wear a Hat
Two areas that are particularly vulnerable to being damaged by the sun are your head and the back of your neck, so make a habit of wearing a hat whenever you boat on a sunny day. We recommend a long-billed ball cap or a wide-brimmed nylon hat, though you can wear any style as long as it provides sufficient protection.
2. Get a Pair of Sunglasses
Boaters should also wear a pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes from the effects of long-term exposure to UV light. While sunglasses range from the cheap pairs given out as free promotional items to much more expensive and stylish shades, you should always be prioritizing protection. If you experience a lot of glare while out on the water, find polarized lenses to increase your visibility.
3. Wear Long Sleeves & Pants
For many, shorts are the quintessential summer attire. However, short sleeves and pants do not provide much sun protection. The next time you go boating, choose loose-fitting attire made from lightweight fabric and dyed a pale color. If it fits this criteria, it will help keep you cool even if it has long sleeves.
4. Sunscreen
There are a few details to keep in mind when purchasing sunscreen. For example, it is recommended that you use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Anything less is unlikely to provide adequate protection. Boaters should look for waterproof sunscreen that will not wash off every time they go in the water. You should also make a habit of regularly reapplying your sunscreen to maintain proper protection.
For more information or to view our selection of new and pre-owned boats, visit Active Water Sports at one of our four locations. We have dealerships in Canby, Oregon City, Redmond, and Portland, Oregon. We also offer parts, trade-ins, storage, service, and financing. We are proud to serve the state of Oregon, and we hope to see you soon.