How to Enjoy the Sun Without Regretting It Later (Sun Protection)

There’s nothing better than a long summer day out on the boat. Warm weather, blue skies, music up, floating with your favorite people… it’s what we wait all winter for.

But if you’ve ever come home from a day on the water completely fried, you already know how fast too much sun can ruin your day.

And honestly, it’s more than just being uncomfortable for a few days.

I’ll be the first person to tell you I LOVE a good summer tan. It is without a doubt one of my goals every single summer, and realistically… that’s probably never going away. But there’s a right and safer way to do it.

Sun damage is serious long term, especially when you spend as much time outside and on the water as boaters do. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and melanoma rates continue to rise every year.

More than 100,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with invasive melanoma this year alone.

You can still enjoy the sun and get your summer glow, you just have to be smart about protecting your skin while doing it.

The reality is, when you’re boating, you’re getting hit from every angle. Direct sunlight, reflection off the water, hours outside without realizing how much exposure you’re getting… it adds up quickly.

So before spending your summer out on the water, here are a few things worth keeping on board and keeping in mind.

Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable

If you’re spending hours outside on the boat, sunscreen is not optional. And not just once before leaving the house. You have to re-apply it throughout the day, especially if you’re swimming, floating, tubing, or constantly in and out of the water. So keep your sunscreen in your boat bag when headed out for the day!

A lot of people don’t realize how intense the sun can actually be on the water because UV rays reflect off the surface. You’re getting hit from every direction, even on cooler or cloudier days.

I also think SPF numbers matter more than people realize.

Dermatologists typically recommend using at least SPF 30 for extended time outdoors, especially during peak summer hours. But this all depends on your skin type. Personally, I use SPF 50 on my face when I’m out on the water. For the rest of my skin, I usually use SPF 15 or 30, depending on how high the UV index is that day.  

I absolutely check the UV levels on my weather app before spending the whole day outside. If the UV index is really high, it doesn’t take long at all to burn.

Remember, it's important to be careful when applying sunscreen on the boat so you don't damage the upholstery. 

Protect Your Head & Face

I never go boating without a hat. I LOVE hats and wear one every time I'm on the water.  Even if you aren't the biggest hat person, it's something you will want to reconsider.

Hats give your face and scalp some much needed protection from those long days on the water. 

Trucker hats, baseball caps, bucket hats, sun hats - all are good choices. Barletta has some good options to choose from on our Gear Store. 

Wear Sunglasses

A good pair of sunglasses on a boat is a must.

Not only because you’ll be more comfortable, but because glare off the water can get intense. If you’re driving the boat, that glare becomes a safety issue too.

Polarized sunglasses help cut that reflection down significantly, and once you use them on the water, it’s hard to go back.

That being said… I usually wear cheaper sunglasses boating because I fully expect there’s a chance they’re ending up at the bottom of the water eventually.

UV Protection Clothing is Worth It

Sun shirts and UV protection clothing have come a long way.

They’re lightweight, breathable, and honestly way more comfortable than dealing with a painful sunburn later.

There are great options now for long sleeve shirts, hoodies, coverups, swimwear - you name it. They’re especially great for kids or anyone with sensitive skin.

And if you’re someone who spends full weekends on the water, they make a huge difference.

Find Some Shade

Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply get out of direct sunlight for a little while.

Most boats today have a bimini top for exactly that reason. A few hours in the shade can completely change how you feel by the end of the day.

Bimini’s are great for sandbars or a nice slow cruise around. If you plan on going fast with your bimini, be sure to check your boat manufacturer's recommendation. Some recommend only opening your bimini at slower speeds. Check it out before you speed around with the bimini open.

It’s easy to underestimate how drained the sun can make you feel after being out on the water all afternoon.

Vitamins as Protection

Another way to provide protection against the sun that you may not think about is to eat special foods that are high in antioxidants. Foods that are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Carotenoids, and omega-3 help your body protect itself from the harmful effects of the sun.

Foods that provide these vitamins include fruits and vegetables, nuts, and fish. These are all a great source of the vitamins your body needs to better protect itself. A simple diet change may provide extra strength against the summer sun. 

However, with only changing your diet to include these vitamins, I do not recommend solely relying on it to protect you from the sun. It would still be a good idea to consider other tactics as well. Sunscreen and UV protection clothing may be what you need to avoid a painful sunburn.

Treating a Sunburn

Aloe is your best friend when it comes to treating a sunburn. It will provide relief and it will cool your skin. Even if your skin isn’t burnt, it never hurts to apply aloe after a long day in the sun. It will help your skin stay healthy.

If it causes a lot of discomfort, it wouldn’t hurt to take ibuprofen or aspirin. These will help reduce the irritation caused by a sunburn. 

If a sunburn is blistering and causing a fever, it would be good to reach out to a doctor. This could be a sign of sun poisoning. Sun poisoning can cause major discomfort and a lot of pain so a doctor can help figure out the best way to treat it. 

Boating in the Sun

Sunny boating days are some of the best days there are. Nobody’s saying to avoid the sun completely.

Just be smart about it.

Bring sunscreen. Re-apply it. Wear sunglasses. Throw on a hat. Take breaks in the shade. Keep extra protection on the boat for the people who inevitably forget something.

A little preparation can be the difference between an amazing weekend on the water and spending the next three days miserable.

Protect your skin now so you can keep enjoying summers on the boat for years to come.