Avid boaters spend countless hours out on the water. Time offshore is hard to beat. With all of the fun activities that can be done on a boat, it is hard to keep track of fluid intake. No matter if it is a hot sunny day or cold, windy winter afternoon, you can become just as quickly dehydrated. What are the symptoms of dehydration while boating?

First And Foremost, What Is Dehydration?

The cause of dehydration is your body losing more water than what is taken in per day. Sweating is not the only way that body fluid is lost. 

What Environmental Factors And Activities Can Lead To Dehydration While Boating?

First and foremost, sweating is one of the most frequent causes of dehydration, but it is not the only way. Here is a list of other reasons why the body becomes quickly dehydrated while boating.

Wind

When you’re exposed to windy conditions throughout the day on the water, your body becomes dehydrated more quickly. Despite the challenge of seeking shelter from wind, do your best to block the direct impacts of a steady and consistent breeze.

Intense sun

The sun’s rays have the most substantial impact on the body losing water. Excessive sweating will cause you to become rapidly dehydrated if the fluids are not replaced. Wear lightweight loose long sleeve shirts and pants, a hat, and remain under cover of a boat top.

Exercise

Whether you’re reeling in a big fish or engaging in watersports, these and any other form of exercise that cause the heart rate to increase impacts the body’s hydration. During strenuous activity, remember to drink hydrating fluids.

Any of these factors and more are what cause dehydration.

What Are The Symptoms Of Dehydration While On The Boat?

When you’re asking yourself to remember what are signs of dehydration, in the event of needing to diagnose it, remember these simple critical impacts on the body.

Thirst

If you or a passenger on board is requesting frequent amounts of liquids, they are likely dehydrated. Excessive thirst is a clear sign.

Dry Mouth

We have all had what we know to be cottonmouth. That dry feeling in your mouth when saliva is no longer produced. A dehydrated individual may speak with a raspy and soft voice because of the lack of saliva in the mouth. 

Lack of urine or dark-colored urine

While you may not directly ask someone to see their urine, ask them the color if you suspect they are becoming dehydrated or explain that dark-colored urine may mean that they need to replace fluids. 

Sunken eyes

The eyes of an individual who has become dehydrated will be sunken. Quickly offer fluids to restore water.

When it comes to what can dehydration cause, the list can continue and increase in severity. These are some early signs to recognize before more significant health issues occur. Never allow dehydration to become so severe that it requires the person to become hospitalized and administered fluids via an IV.

How Can You Prevent Dehydration While Boating? 

Direct and straightforwardly drink more fluids than your body can lose from sweat. When we say fluids, that doesn’t mean any form of a drink. Yes, being on a boat may involve alcohol for those who are not responsible for navigating the craft but keep in mind that alcohol causes dehydration to set in faster. In addition to alcohol, if a boat operator is thirsty, which if these should they not drink? The answer is caffeinated beverages, including coke, Pepsi, and coffee. All of these drinks will negatively the ability of the body to become hydrated.

The question is often asked what is the best way to minimize the risk of dehydration while boating in warm weather? To better avoid becoming dehydrated, try to consume mostly water. Sports energy drinks can certainly help replace lost electrolytes, but they may contain high amounts of sugar, which means a higher calorie intake. The majority of the fluid consumed should be water, but adding one energy drink on top may be the right combination. 

Conclusion- Final Thoughts On Remaining Hydrated Out On The Water

With all of the other distractions, while cruising on a boat, dehydration can sneak up quickly. It is vital to catch it in its infancy stages rather than scramble when someone becomes disoriented, confused, or lightheaded. At that point, the dangers of falling amplify, causing even more harm to the affected individual. To remain safe, keep on a steady diet of water throughout the day to avoid the onset of dehydration.Â