Written by: Jessica Bolts
Ask anyone, and it’s guaranteed they have a horrible story involving a sunburn, many having experienced the pain from the harsh sun rays. Whether you were overexposed to the sun or have sensitive skin, it’s hardly ever intentional to get one of these bad burns. However, there are ways to avoid getting a painful sunburn during a boating outing- after initial SPF application, of course. From personal experience to anecdotes from others, here are some tips on how to beat the burn.
It may seem obvious, but for a day out boating, sitting under the canopy can be the best break from the rays. Not only does it create shade, but it also allows your body to cool so you can feel if you are getting burnt. By taking a five-minute break here and there, this protection from the sun will then give you an opportunity to reapply sunscreen if needed.
One gentleman, I talked to about the issue of sun overexposure swears taking a swim is another way to give your skin a break from the rays. He says a foolproof way to avoid getting a severe sunburn is to take a dip every thirty minutes, or so. The water will protect your skin and presents a chance to cool down. This repeated swim will ensure that you are not receiving constant harmful rays. However, beware, sun rays can still penetrate shallow water and we suggest you wear a waterproof sunscreen if swimming.
If you are not in dire need to get the perfect sun-kissed skin, then bringing a festive cover-up provides a breathable layer from the sun. Over the Fourth of July weekend, I spotted many people with star-spangled shawls, cowboy hats, and even a tank top with an American flag cape. Even if the holiday weekend has passed, a beach themed cover-up can provide just as much coverage. It’s also easy to strip away this layer if more sun is desired.
If all else fails, and the sun is too sweltering to bear, stopping at a lakeside bar always provides a reliable shaded spot to cool off. Enjoy a refreshment under the umbrella-shaded tables, or step inside to meet a friend. With Shoreline Inclusive Camping’s packages, a boat shuttle to one of these shady spots is just a phone call away.
If you follow these tips and apply plenty of sunscreen, hopefully, you won’t hear, “You look burnt” again. If you do get burnt, make sure to apply some aloe vera on the affected areas as soon as possible.
