How to keep cool on your boat this weekend

Well the hot weather has certainly arrived with a bang and it looks like it’s going to be hanging around for a while yet (yay!). So with that in mind, here are some handy tips on how to keep yourself, your family and your friends cool whilst out on your boat.

Staying hydrated is about more than just being on or in the water. When you swim, it’s tempting to feel a bit more hydrated than you really are. Anyone who’s using your boat for swimming or water skiing etc. might feel the same. The key point to remember is that simply being exposed to water doesn’t hydrate you. You have to drink it.

Staying hydrated is about more than just water, too. If you want to feel your best, you can’t only drink water, particularly if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors. As any long-distance runner will tell you, you lose more than water when you sweat. Replacing water and electrolytes with just water isn’t enough, you have to keep some snacks handy to replace some sodium and potassium and other electrolytes as well. The best solution is take a lunch break when the sun is at its hottest.

Wear white. White is the most efficient reflector of light, which means it will do the best job of keeping the sun’s rays out. White towels, shirts, shorts, and hats are in season for this very reason. So make use of them. Not only will they add to your protection from the sun, but they’ll generally feel ‘lighter’ throughout the day thanks to their reflective properties.

Find shade whenever you can. If your boat has a canopy, that’s great, it will be a great way to keep out of the sun while staying out on the water. But if it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to take frequent breaks. Breaks aren’t only important to make sure that you feel refreshed, but the symptoms of dehydration can sneak up on you, so taking a break is a great way to check on yourself and others.

Bring a cooler box or bag. There’s nothing more refreshing than a cool drink on a hot day, but if it’s a hot day, you’ve got to bring some cool storage with you to ensure those cool drinks actually last. A cooler bag can bring enough drinks for a boat trip without getting in everyone’s way. Or hang them over the side of your boat in a netted bag.

Keep protected. Sunburn, as well as being so bad for you, also ‘feels’ hot as it develops, which is why it’s important to protect your skin from the sun with a nice water-resistant sunscreen.

Make sure to keep every boat outing a reasonable length and follow these tips and you’ll be sure to curb some of the summer heat, but remember your limits too.

Sometimes, the sun simply gets the better of you and it’s a good idea to know when to call it quits and stay comfortable so you can enjoy boating just as much tomorrow as you did today.

Stay safe and have a wonderful weekend.