Most captains and passengers on boats understand the importance of safety when it comes to operating the boat, keeping people on board, and responding appropriately in an emergency. But these aren't the only safety topics worth knowing and understanding. It's also vital to practice effective sun safety.
But what exactly is sun safety on a boat and how do you practice it?
What Is Sun Safety?
Sun safety is a collection of habits and strategies designed to keep you and the passengers of your boat safe from the sun. The sun is a symbol of life and warmth, and it provides our planet with light and abundant energy – but it's also extremely powerful. Technically speaking, the sun is an engine of nuclear fusion, and it bombards our planet with highly energetic, damaging forms of radiation on a daily basis.
While there's something comfortable and subjectively “nice” about basking in the sun, we can't forget that this is a source of potential damage to us. It's our responsibility to mitigate that damage.
The Risks of the Sun
Even a few hours of unprotected sun exposure can have a detrimental effect on the human body. If you're on a boat, the effects of that exposure can be multiplied; if you don't have any sort of overhead protection or shade, you'll get the full effects of direct sunlight on your body. And because you're surrounded by water, the reflective potential of that water can multiply the sunbeams that hit you.
Without adequate sun protection, you face risks like the following:
- Sunburn. Most of us have had the experience of a sunburn at least once in our lives. When sunburns are mild, they’re a temporary inconvenience, causing us a bit of pain, itching, and discomfort. Severe sunburns are much more serious, and sometimes require hospitalisation. No matter where your sunburn is on this spectrum, sunburns are best avoided.
- Heatstroke. If it's particularly hot outside, being directly exposed to the sun can accelerate overheating. Without proper protection, hydration, and sun mitigation, you could end up suffering from heatstroke.
- Skin aging. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages the cells of your skin, causing premature skin aging. If you want to look as young and beautiful as possible for as long as possible, it's important to protect yourself.
- Cancer risks. Excessive sun exposure is also a risk factor for cancer. UV radiation causes damage to cells, which can trigger DNA replication mistakes and, ultimately, cell mutations that lead to the development of cancer. Not everyone who gets a sunburn is going to get cancer, but each round of unmitigated sun exposure increases your risks.
Sun Protection Strategies
Fortunately, there are many strategies you can use to protect yourself from the sun.
These include:
- Exposure minimisation. Your first line of defence is minimising direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn is still a risk even on cloudy days, but the risk is somewhat lower. Similarly, the sun is at its most powerful between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so you can reduce your exposure by boating outside of these times. On particularly hot and sunny days, consider just staying inside.
- Shade and shielding. Proper shade and shielding can protect you from the worst and most direct effects of the sun. Purchasing a boat with a canopy or using a parasol (or something similar) can keep you protected.
- Clothing. You can also shield your skin from the sun by using clothes and accessories. Hats with wide brims, long-sleeved shirts, and similarly protective clothes can block the majority of the sun’s rays.
- Sunscreen. Sunscreen is a commercial product that applies a protective coating to your skin, preventing UV radiation from penetrating your skin and causing damage. It's not a perfect solution, but it's a very effective one – and we'll talk more about that in the next section.
- Sunglasses. UV radiation can also be harmful to your eyes, so make sure you're wearing a pair of sunglasses that is capable of providing you with UV protection.
Important Practices for Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the best products available for protecting yourself from the sun on a boat, but there are some important practices you'll need to follow to use it effectively:
- Choose the right product. There are several factors you’ll need to keep in mind when choosing sunscreen, as not all sunscreen products are created equal. First, it's a good idea to choose broad spectrum products. UV radiation comes in a few different varieties (most notably UVA and UVB). Broad spectrum sunscreen is designed to protect you from all types of UV radiation. You also need to choose a product with a minimum SPF of 15; this is a way of measuring the strength of the product you're using. It's also wise to choose a waterproof or water-resistant sunscreen product if you plan on swimming or sweating.
- Check the expiration date. A bottle of sunscreen might last you more than a year, but before using it for the first time each season, check the expiration date. Don't use sunscreen that has already expired.
- Bring plenty. Bring enough sunscreen for everyone. That way, if anyone forgets to bring sunscreen, they won’t have any excuse to expose themselves to the sun without protection. If anyone resists the idea of applying sunscreen, try to persuade them to go through with wearing it.
- Wear it in all conditions. Sunscreen is just for sunny days, right? Wrong. Even through thick clouds, UV radiation can be powerful enough to damage your skin. You should wear it anytime you’re outside for prolonged periods of time.
- Reapply regularly. A single application of sunscreen won’t last forever; in fact, it will probably fade after just a few hours. Make it a point to reapply regularly.
Education and Consistency
Finally, remember that as captain, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the health and safety of your passengers. Practicing effective sun protection strategies for yourself is important, but it's also important to teach your passengers how to follow these strategies. Set a good example by following these strategies consistently in your own journeys.
With better sun protection, you can stay out on your boat all day long. You'll have an even better time if your vessel perfectly matches your lifestyle, your needs, and your boating hobbies. If you're in the market for a new boat, or if you're thinking about selling your old one, TheYachtMarket is here for you. Check out our amazing selection of new and used vessels for sale today.