Boating in warm weather under the sun can be relaxing and rejuvenating — but it can also be sweltering hot. Whether you are fishing off the coast of Pattaya or cruising around the islands near Phuket, you are bound to start sweating in the summer heat. As the temperatures keep climbing, boating can become almost unbearable on the hottest days of the year.
Luckily, there are many practical ways to stay cool while boating so you don’t have to miss out on any boating adventures. We’ll teach you how to keep your boat cabin cool and other tricks to beat the heat while boating this season.
The Importance of Staying Cool While Boating
When you are boating on the open water, you can be exposed to extreme heat and intense sunlight. Too much exposure to UV rays and hot temperatures can cause fatigue, impaired focus and dehydration, and can eventually lead to more serious consequences like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat-related illnesses can worsen quickly and may have fatal consequences.
The early signs of heat exhaustion are fatigue, headache, dizziness and severe thirst. You may not be able to operate your boat safely and will likely feel nauseous. As heat exhaustion worsens, it can cause vomiting, rapid pulse, clammy skin and excessive sweating. If heat exhaustion is not controlled, it can lead to heat stroke.
When a person experiences heat stroke, their body will likely have stopped producing sweat, and their skin will become flushed and hot to the touch. The person will experience confusion, rapid breathing, dizziness and headaches. They may act irrationally, and, as heat stroke progresses, they may become unresponsive or have convulsions. If a person experiences heat stroke on your boat, contact emergency services immediately, and immerse the person in cold water. Heat stroke can be deadly if not treated quickly.
Prolonged sun exposure while boating can also pose long-term risks. Too much exposure to UV rays can cause your skin to age prematurely and can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Although most cases of skin cancer are curable if detected early, melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
While boating on a bright day, your risk of harm from sun exposure is multiplied by the sun’s rays bouncing back off the water. To stay safe on the water this summer, you must practice proper hot weather boat safety. Use the boating safety tips in the next section to protect your skin and stay cool while enjoying the water this season.
21 Tips to Beat the Heat on Your Boat
Whether you are lounging on the deck or sleeping down below, there are many simple ways to beat the heat on your boat. Use these tips for how to keep cool while boating to stay safe and comfortable on your next summer boating trip.
1. SPLASH WATER ON THE DECK
2. INSTALL A MISTING SYSTEM
3. INSTALL A SHADE STRUCTURE
4. USE A WIND FUNNEL
5. INSTALL RAIN VISORS
6. USE SMALL FANS
7. USE AN AIR CONDITIONER
8. TRY A COOLING MATTRESS OR SLEEP OUTSIDE
9. CHANGE YOUR LIGHT BULBS
10. STAY HYDRATED
11. EAT LIGHT FOODS
12. BRING A COOLER
13. WEAR SUNSCREEN
14. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
15. WEAR A HAT
16. WEAR SUNGLASSES
17. USE A WET BANDANA OR COOLING TOWEL
18. TRY ICE PACKS
19. CHILL YOUR LOTION
20. TAKE A DIP
21. KEEP CRUISING
The weather always feels the hottest when you are sitting still with the sun glaring down on your boat. While anchored, you will not have as much fresh air moving through the cockpit or cabin, especially on those rare calm days on the water. Keep cruising to beat the heat on your boat and enjoy a cooling breeze. When you venture out far enough from shore, you’ll also enjoy a drop in air temperature and colder water to cool the cabin.
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