Spending a Day Aboard Angling Boats? Here’s What You Need to Know About Sun Exposure Safety
From the Sunshine State that we at Young Boats call home, there’s so much to enjoy out on the water – but there’s one thing we have to be mindful of when enjoying these beautiful days outside! Whether you’re relaxing at the beach, fishing aboard Young Boats angling boats, or otherwise exploring the great outdoors, it’s important to stay in-the-know about the risks associated with sun exposure. As we celebrate National Sunscreen Day on May 28th, it’s a perfect time to learn more about how we can take full advantage of this useful tool to protect our skin against harmful rays from the sun. Read on for a primer on what you as an angler should know about the importance of sunscreen before you set out on your next family fishing trip!
Sun Exposure Can Be Dangerous
We all know that too much sun exposure is dangerous – especially if you’ve been the victim of a particularly painful and unexpected sunburn. This condition is caused by the skin reacting to UV (ultraviolet) radiation. UV rays are invisible and come from the sun – not just in the summer, but year-round. They’re strongest between 9 am and 3 pm standard time, and exposure to them doesn’t have to be direct – rays can reflect from surfaces like sand at the beach or the open water, and they can even pass through windows. These rays can damage your skin cells, increasing your risk for skin cancer over time. When your skin peels after a particularly nasty sunburn, you’ll see that your body works to rid itself of these damaged cells. So – what can we do to guard against these potential risks?
Keeping Protected Offers Multiple Benefits
Experts recommend putting on sunscreen whenever you’re planning to be outside – and it’s especially important if you’re expecting to be in the sun for extended periods of time. So, before you plan to hit the water with your crew, be sure to apply sunscreen generously to protect against those UV rays – in all areas that will not be covered by clothing. Be sure not to forget spots like the tops of your feet, your neck, and your ears. Besides just avoiding sunburn, you can gain lots of benefits from using sunscreen correctly. Long-term, you can expect to reduce your risk for developing skin cancer. Also, sunscreen can fight other skin issues like combatting the effects of aging – another concern posed by UV ray exposure.
Choose the Right Sunscreen
With all that in mind – how can you go about choosing the right sunscreen? You’ll want to use one with an SPF – or sun protection factor – of at least 15, though many experts recommend using one of at least 30. SPF serves as a measurement of how much UV radiation will cause sunburn on protected (versus unprotected) skin – dealing in amount of sun exposure as opposed to time. Also, you’ll want to seek out a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that protects against both UVA (causing aging and skin damage) and UVB (causing sunburn and skin cancer) rays. Once you’re armed with an appropriate sunscreen, apply it to your skin 30 minutes before you intend to go outside. Then, remember that you’ll need to reapply – every two hours or after you take a swim or find yourself sweating.
Now that you’re armed with all this information, you’re prepared to enjoy days spent on Young Boats custom fishing boats to their absolute fullest. We pride ourselves on creating quality boats with meticulous attention to detail throughout construction – and we only sell factory direct! Your one-of-a-kind boat awaits – contact Young Boats today to find your perfect on-the-water lifestyle or browse our website to learn more about our lineup!