AGFC Offers Summer Safety Tips for Boaters and Anglers

With triple-digit heat indexes becoming more common, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is reminding boaters and anglers to take precautions before heading out on the water this summer.

Whether fishing or simply relaxing on the lake, extreme heat, sun exposure and alcohol can quickly turn a day of fun into a medical emergency, the agency warns. Each year, Arkansas game wardens respond to heat- and alcohol-related incidents at lakes and rivers across the state.

Here are five key safety tips from the AGFC to help Arkansans stay safe during summer outings:

1. Avoid Peak Heat Hours
Fishing and boating are safest and most comfortable in the early morning or late evening hours, when temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense. Boaters planning to stay out past sunset should ensure their navigation lights are functioning properly.

2. Use and Reapply Sunscreen
Overexposure to UV rays can cause painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) should be applied generously and reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Even water-resistant products wear off with time and moisture.

3. Stay in the Shade
Direct sunlight can raise surface temperatures on boats and docks well above the air temperature, leading to burns. Shade structures like bimini tops or umbrellas can provide relief, and placing a towel over hot surfaces can help prevent burns. Shaded areas along the shoreline or under tree cover can also offer cooler conditions.

4. Dress for Protection
While tank tops and shorts are common lake attire, lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and wide-brimmed hats offer better protection from the sun. Many outdoor clothing brands now include SPF ratings on their products. Covering up with appropriate gear reduces the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion.

5. Hydrate Properly and Avoid Alcohol
Dehydration is a serious risk in extreme heat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend drinking 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes, but not exceeding 48 ounces per hour. Plain water is best, as sugary drinks and alcohol can accelerate dehydration. Alcohol also impairs judgment, especially when combined with heat and the motion of a boat. The AGFC urges boaters to assign a sober operator, just as they would with a car.

Bonus Tip: Wear a Life Jacket
The AGFC also stresses the importance of wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Several recent Arkansas boating fatalities occurred when individuals jumped into the water without wearing a life jacket. State law requires a life jacket onboard for each person, but officials emphasize they only work when worn.

For more information on boating safety, visit www.agfc.com/boatered.

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