Five hot tips for boating under the Arkansas sun

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officials are offering five tips for boaters during the summer heatwave.

The tips center on the health impacts of sun exposure and water safety.

DODGE HIGH NOON

Officials are encouraging boaters to get off the water when the sun is overhead. After all, summer fishing is best during the few hours of daylight and dusk, they reminded.

If a boater does go out in the evening, be sure to check the boat’s navigation lights in case it’s late before they make it back to the boat ramp.

SCREEN, AND SCREEN AGAIN

Bathing suit or shorts while out on the water? Sure, but be aware that exposed skin can lead to a painful sunburn, if not long-term damage in the form of skin cancer. Better to use sunscreen.

SPF numbers on sunscreen reflect how long it lasts, but it’s not a direct correlation, officials said. An SPF of 30 means that a 30th of the sun’s radiation gets through, meaning it takes 30 times longer to reach the same point as unprotected skin.

And if you wash it off through either swimming or sweating, replenish. A good idea is to reapply every two hours, even if you don’t think you need it, officials said.

BE SHADY

The best way to avoid problems with sun exposure is to not be in it, officials said, so seek out shady spots. They recommend overhanging trees in backwaters, for example, or a boat sunbrella, canopy or bikini top.

Officials added that boats exposed to the sun can have surfaces hot enough to cause burns, such as a vinyl boat seat under direct sunlight.

KEEP IT COVERED

Thin, long-sleeved attire will protect better than t-shirts or tank tops, officials said, adding that light-colored fabrics are best. Also, a hat with a wide brim instead of a baseball cap will keep ears, neck, and shoulders from the sun’s bright gaze.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

Water is best for hydration, officials said, as sugary or carbonated drinks can actually magnify the drying effects of UV rays.

An 8-ounce cup of water every 20 minutes or so is a good goal, but be cautious not to drink as much as one and a half quarts, or 48 ounces, every hour, as that can cause its own unique harm.

And it’s plain water, officials say, without flavoring, electrolyte boosters or other additions, which ultimately add unneeded salts and sugars. And forget beer or alcohol, which works against the body’s ability to absorb water into cells.

A JACKET FOR YOUR LIFE

Officials point out that three of the most recent boating fatalities in Arkansas were when a boater jumped overboard without putting on a life jacket. Put one on even for a quick dip, even if confident of swimming abilities, and make sure it’s U.S. Coast Guard-approved and fits correctly, they said.

For more information and tips for boaters, head over to AGFC.com/BoaterEd.