Preventing Sun Damage While Boating

Summer is peeking over the horizon and the temperatures are already warming up. While being out on the water can generally keep you cool, you and your passengers are still extremely vulnerable to suffering from a painful sunburn, resulting in red and peeling skin for days. 

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays over time can result in the formation of various skin cancers, including basal-cell carcinomas and melanomas. So not only do those sunburns hurt when you get them, they can also result in lasting damage to your skin over time. Your eyes are also prone to suffer from the sun’s UV rays.

Blue Water Boats in Cape May Court House, is your New Jersey boat dealer. Here are our top tips to protect yourself this summer when you’re out on the water so that you can enjoy the sunshine without suffering its ill effects.

Apply Waterproof Sunscreen

A high-SPF (sun protection factor) sunscreen is recommended for usage on sunny days. When you’re out boating and swimming, you’ll want that sunscreen to be waterproof as well. Make sure to apply sunscreen to all areas of exposed skin, focusing on your face, the back of your neck, your scalp/hairline, wrists, hands and the tops of your feet. Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes to ensure coverage.

Invest in UV-Blocking Sunglasses

Not only can the sun hurt your skin, but it can also harm your eyes. Eye damage from the sun takes years to fully expose itself, but when it does, it’s very bad news. You could develop vision-occluding cataracts which require surgery to remove.

Spare yourself this malady and don an eye-catching pair of sunglasses that are rated to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Most sunglasses will have a sticker on them declaring how protective they are and the higher the rating, the better. You can also talk to your optometrist about getting prescription sunglasses with UV protection if you need them.

Cover Exposed Skin

While you may want to wear as little as possible in the warm sunshine, covering up with lightweight, light-colored fabrics can actually help you stay cool while also protecting your skin from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat will shield your scalp, neck and face, while long sleeves on a cover-up or even a linen shirt can shield your shoulders and arms. Drape a towel over your legs while you’re in direct sunlight to keep them from burning.

Seeking to buy a new boat? Visit our dealership in Cape May Court House, NJ, to take a look at our vast inventory of new and used boats for sale. We can even assist you with financing options to help you fund your purchase. Blue Water Boats proudly serves the metro areas of Atlantic City, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA.