Staying Safe in the Sun

The spring and summer seasons are quickly approaching, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to board your boat and have some fun in the sun! But before you get out there and start soaking in the warm weather, there are a few safety concerns that must be kept in mind – not water safety, but sun safety!

The sun can be fun, but it can also be harsh and potentially dangerous to us. That’s why it’s important to take steps to protect ourselves when heading out for a day of fun in the sun. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to prevent sun-related problems.

Sunscreen Is Too Important to Forget

The sun is responsible for emitting dangerous UVA and UVB rays that can have a harmful effect on your skin, even on the cloudiest days, so do yourself a favor and apply sunscreen liberally. You will want to choose an SPF (sun protection factor) level of at least 15, but that number should go up the longer you plan to be out in the open, whether the sun is shining through the clouds or not.

Sunglasses Are Essential

Your parents always told you never to stare directly into the sun, and that advice holds true today. Even if you aren’t looking directly at the sun, though, it can still damage your eyes, so sunglasses are a must. Glasses are essential for your eyes, but are also important for the skin around your eyes, which is very susceptible to skin cancer. When choosing sunglasses, select pairs that have 100 percent UVA/UVB protection and, if you can, get wraparound models that offer more protection at the sides of your peripheral vision.

Wear Proper Attire

It may seem counterproductive to wear extra clothes on those warm summer days, but wearing proper attire is an important – and easy – way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. To start, always wearing a hat – especially the broad-brimmed variety – can provide more coverage for not only your face, but also your neck. Long-sleeve shirts and pants are also a smart choice, covering up your arms and legs. The less bare skin you have visible, the less chance you have of sun damage. Stay covered and stay protected.

At V-Dock, we want you to be safe while enjoying the water, whether you’re floating along on your boat or just lounging on your customizable dock. By being sun-smart, you can enjoy the warm weather and not end up red, sunburned or worse this summer. Learn more about our docks online now, or call us today at 888-888-DOCK.