In the southern states such as Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, sun exposure can be extreme. When the family is out on the water, it is hard to be sheltered from the powerful UV rays that bake down. Kids boating are particularly susceptible to the damaging light emitted from the sun. It is best to take all measures to reduce exposure and avoid skin damage. What is the best method for sun protection with kids boating.

Boats With Shade

Yes, many would argue that other sun safety measures are far more critical than shad over top of k head. However, when it comes to a significant investment like a watercraft, the best family boat comes with shade for the sun. 

No matter if it is a T-top on a center console or complete cover from bow to stern, the key is reducing exposure through the day. The more time that can be spent dodging the sun while still enjoying the water, the greater the chance of avoiding a sunburn. 

Some boaters go as far as to set up an umbrella in a stand for those who have already purchased a vessel with minimal shade. Anything will do to keep kids cooler and protected from the sun.

Clothing

Another means of keeping the sun off of kids boating is by utilizing the proper clothing. As obvious as it sounds, covering your skin with clothing will reduce the amount of sun exposure. 

SPF or sun protection factor clothing helps to deflect the sun’s rays. When it comes to finding SPF clothing, many outdoor shops will have them regularly in stock. Don’t be afraid to buy clothing slightly oversized for kids boating so they can grow into them.

You don’t want to overheat a child, but fortunately, most children’s SPF clothing is light and breathable. Cover as much of the exposed skin as possible without limiting their ability to move freely about the boat or water. 

Sunscreen

kid’s sun protection is highly impacted by sunscreen. For child use, kids use kids sunscreen, and babies use baby sunscreen. 

When applying sunscreen, remember to coat all areas of exposed skin thoroughly. Sun protective clothing can shift on both children and babies, so remember to go beyond the clothing’s edge. Some of the most common areas to burn are the nose, ears, and beneath the eyes.

When children play in the water for extensive amounts of time or sweating, the sunscreen can wear away, thus losing the ability to fend off the sun’s rays. It is essential to apply sunscreen before children head out on the water and multiple times per day. Keep in mind the skin should be dry when recoating. 

Hats

A hat over the top of a baby or child’s head can create ample shade to the face and neck. When determining what type of hat to use, consider one with a wide brim that extends all the way around. 

Most young children will try to pull the sun cap away from them, so one with a drawstring can be more effective in keeping it in place. We have used a variety of bucket style hats for family members interchanging between a drawstring and velcro strap.

Sunglasses

The eyes of both adults and children can become damaged by the sun if they are not protected. Beyond damage, constant squinting will lead to headaches. 

Glasses work much like sunscreen for the eyeballs. Good quality sunglasses work by eliminating some or nearly all of the UV rays emitted in the eyes’ direction. 

For babies, purchase glasses that have a strap around the back of the head to avoid them from falling off and losing them. We have used a variety of children’s style sunglasses when taking family members boating. Kids can get away with almost anything they feel comfortable in. Something is better than nothing. 

Check out the Explorer children’s sunglasses from Real Shades. The glasses are affordable and durable. You may want to consider two pairs as a back up for the boat bag.

Get The Kids Boating Now That They Are Protected From The Sun

Preparing children to head on the boat is a much easier task than it may be believed to be. Once a routine is down, both the parent and child will be ready and out the door with the proper clothing, glasses, hats, sunscreen applications, and under the boat’s cover before you know it. Preventing a burn will make the evening easier on both the child and parent, plus help prevent long-term skin damage with continued exposure.