Tips to Beat the Extreme Heat While Boating

The safety of our crew and our customers is our top priority.
With multiple 90-100+ degree days happening here in the Flathead Valley, we thought it was a good idea to share some important tips on keeping yourself cool and healthy!

1. Stay Hydrated
   Water, water, water! As much as you can, as frequently as you can, and as cold as you can get it. But sometimes water isn’t enough! You need to ensure that you’re replenishing any lost electrolytes. Try a HEALTHY sports drink like Coconut Water or Liquid IV.
2. Wear Sunscreen
   One of the most important hot weather tips we can share with you! Being out on a boat all day under the hot sun can be extremely dangerous. With no precautions in place, it can lead to painful sunburns, blisters, rashes, skin damage and eventually, skin cancer. You need to use SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen and reapply it regularly to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Don’t be fooled by cloudy conditions, you’re still at risk even when the sun isn’t out.
3. Avoid The Hottest Times of The Day
   This is especially applicable if you’re doing activities where you sit still, such as fishing or lounging – you want to do these types of activities early in the morning or later in the evening. If you’re out between 11am and 5 pm, make sure you have your bimini up!
4. Protect Your Eyes
   The UV rays that reflect from the river or lake are INTENSE! It’s important to protect your eyes when you’re out on the boat. Opt for polarized lenses that can help to cut down on the sun’s glare on the water.
5. Avoid Alcohol
   We all love a Corona or a Claw while relaxing on the lake - but beer, wine, liquor, and sugary sodas are a no-no in the extreme heat. Unlike water, they have all sorts of ingredients that affect your system’s ability to beat the heat. At the very least, drink one cup of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume, eat plenty of food, and NEVER operate your boat while under the influence
6. Wear Protective Clothing
   Opt for light colored, loose-fitting, breathable fabrics. If you’re going to be out for a long time, wear breathable long-sleeve tops or long pants - by keeping these on hand, you can give your arms and legs a break from the sun while staying cool. Don’t wear shoes or socks (they trap heat). Instead, wear a pair of sandals or open-toed shoes. Wear a hat to keep the sun off your face, neck, ears and shoulders. The wider the brim, the better!
7. Bring a Cooler, and a Mister
   Bringing a cooler may seem obvious, but the colder your drinks are, the better they’ll be able to lower your body temperature! While you’re out the lake, a portable mister is just the thing to cool you down. Fill it up with ice cold water and ice cubes in the beginning of the day, and you’ll be set for the rest of your boating trip. Then replenish with ice cubes from your cooler!
8. Take Cover
   The more you stay out of direct sunlight during extreme heat – the better! Put up your bimini as much as possible, or find a shaded bay to take advantage of. If neither of these are options, try to take a break during the hottest time of day to head to shore to get some much needed rest from the blistering sun.
9. Take A Dip
   What’s stopping you? Take frequent dips throughout the hot day, and especially just before bedtime for a good sleep. Try keeping a few blow-up tubes on board. They’ll allow you and your guests to bob like corks in the water during the hottest of days—comfortably out of the high heat.
10. Protect your Boat
    The least important, but still VERY important item on this list. Your boat is a big investment! Keep it wiped down inside and out, get it detailed at least once a year, and always keep covered when not in use! The sun can wreak havoc on your interior and top of your boat if you don't protect it!

Always watch for signs of heat related illnesses. The infographic below will show you what to watch out for!