Heatwave: what to do on a boat

Heatwave: the right thing to do on a boat

Summer is particularly hot this year, with record heat peaks.

With our hair blowing in the wind on a boat, we tend not to feel the sun burning our skin. Like every year, your first outing on a boat will undoubtedly leave a penetrating impression on your skin.

The salt contained in seawater reflects more sunlight than pool water, making it a natural tanning gas pedal.

Two tips to keep in mind for your first summer outing:

1 - If you're renting a boat, remember to choose one equipped with a sun awning or bimini for shelter when you're at anchor.

2 - Slather on sunscreen while you're still in port. The first hour on the water won't be so bad.

Here's a quick reminder of the right attitudes to adopt on a boat or in the water. It's more important than ever to know how to protect yourself, stay hydrated and limit the harmful effects of these heatwaves.

Here's what you shouldn't forget

1 - Moisturize

We can't stress this enough, and it's certainly trite, but drink plenty of water to stay sufficiently hydrated. Room-temperature water is our best friend, so slow down on ice-cold sodas and alcohol (and yes, alcohol does dehydrate, contrary to what some people think) and drink as much water as you like all day long. Take enough water on board.

2 - Avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day.

To avoid sunburn or sunstroke, avoid exposure to the sun between 12pm and 3pm. Eat indoors, or under the sunshade if the boat has one.

3 - Sunscreen: Best friend ever.

Don't skimp on SPF 50 sunscreen - spread it on, go for it, and remember to reapply every two hours and after swimming. Choose optimum sun protection that protects the oceans. Beware of clouds: they hide their game well and don't prevent UV rays from getting through. On the boat, the sun's reflection greatly increases the chances of sunburn. So put on sunscreen as soon as you arrive in port.

4 - UV protection: wear a hat, a cap (or a bob if you like!) and glasses.

Before setting sail, make sure that all passengers on board are equipped with a cap or hat to protect them from the risk of sunstroke. The intense glare on the boat is also very dangerous for your toddlers' fragile eyes, so make sure they wear a pair of category 3 to 4 or polarized sunglasses. The same goes for you! And of course, anti-UV polo shirts or anti-UV clothing will be a plus for the most fragile among us. We tend to take off our caps or hats quickly when we get on the boat, because of the speed, but don't forget to keep them on your head for the duration of your outing.

5 - Refresh yourself regularly on the boat, as soon as the need arises.

As well as staying hydrated by drinking water, take a swim (beware of hydrocution, we're going piano) or refresh your body regularly, using a mister for example.

Now you know all the tips you need to protect yourself while enjoying your sea outing.

Take care and enjoy!

Liberty Pass

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