As the summer sun starts to heat up and beat down, boaters and outdoor adventurers are heading to the water to not only soak up the sun’s rays but enjoy everything the open water has to offer from swimming to fishing and everything in between.
While the water is inviting and a great way to cool down, too much heat and sun can actually be dangerous, do it is crucial to plan and prioritize safety during any fun-filled boat rides this summer.
Here, you will find 10 essential safety tips to help keep you and your crew or family safe while out on the water trying to be the summer heat.
Wear the Right Clothes
Your clothes matter! In fact, they matter more than you may think.
It is best to wear something that is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable when you are out on the water. You should AVOID dark colors as they will only attract more heat.
You want to make sure that you wear UV-protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to further protect your face, eyes, and head.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Did you know that extreme heat can lead to dehydration even if you are sipping on water? It is true. When it is hot outside, you need to make sure that you drink even more water to help keep yourself properly hydrated. Additionally, dehydration is amplified on open water as the sun’s reflection on the water makes it even hotter.
So, what should you drink? WATER. While you may be tempted to grab a soda or beer, these will only make dehydration worse, which in turn can leave you feeling ill.
Pack plenty of water and remember to drink it, even if you are not thirsty.
Use Sunscreen and ALWAYS Reapply It
Sunscreen is a requirement whenever you plan to be out in the sun and especially out on the water. However, simply applying it before you go out on the water is not enough. You MUST reapply it according to the directions on the bottle. Most sunscreens last a couple of hours but if you fail to reapply it after that timeframe, you will find yourself sporting a sunburn.
It is recommended that you use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and make sure to cover all exposed areas of your body.
Check the Weather
Before you head out for the day, take a moment and check the weather. If you live in an area that is prone to heat waves, it may be best to avoid the timeframe of the day when the heat index is the highest.
Additionally, you want to check the weather to plan for any interruptions to your day on the water such as a summertime storm. We all know that storms in the summer pop up quickly and can be quite angry.
The best thing you can do is prepare and plan ahead of time in case the weather conditions do change while you are out on the water.
Take a Break
Being out in the sun is taxing on the body and you may find yourself feeling worn out and overheated. Make sure you set aside frequent breaks so that you can seek out shade, sit down, hydrate, and cool off.
As a word of caution, avoid overdoing it or trying to push yourself as this could lead to heat-related illness, It is better to slow it down than end up sick.
Make Sure Your Boat is Ventilated
If you have an enclosed cabin on your boat, it is important that you ensure it is properly and well ventilated to avoid overheating. You can open windows, use fans, or turn on your cooling system to accomplish this.
If your deck is not well covered, when you dock or anchor, you can create shaded spaces by utilizing umbrellas and boat covers to help reduce the temperature of the cabin and the deck.
Check Your Boat’s Cooling Systems
Just as you want to make sure your boat is properly ventilated, do make sure your boat’s cooling system (if equipped with one) is properly working and operational before you head out on the water.
Know the Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat-related illnesses are serious, and you must be aware of them to ensure that you avoid them, specifically heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, weakness, headache, heavy sweating, and, dizziness.
If you notice ANY of these symptoms, it is recommended that you immediately move to a cooler place, rest, and hydrate yourself.
Heat stroke is more serious than heat exhaustion and some of the signs and symptoms include confusion, a rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness. If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, it is imperative to seek emergency medical services. You should attempt to cool the person off by moving them to a cooler area and applying cool water to their exposed skin.
Carry a First Aid Kit
You should never leave without a well-stocked first aid kit to handle any emergencies that occur while on the water.
What should be included in your first aid kit?
- Antiseptic wash
- Bandages
- Remedies for heat-related illnesses
- Pain relievers
And remember, always call 911 or the coast guard if you have an emergency requiring medical intervention immediately.
Be Knowledgeable and Ensure Your Crew Is Too
Knowledge will help ensure that you and everyone on board has a wonderful day out on the water. Make sure everyone is familiar with where the first aid kit is and that they can recognize signs of heat-related illnesses. It can be helpful to perform a safety talk before heading out to get everyone on the same page.
Spending the summer on the water is a great way to relax and unwind, but you must ensure that you respect the heat and plan what to do when it is hot. Remember, hydrate, dress for the sun, and cool off frequently to avoid any issues at sea.
