Sun safety on the water

Nothing quite says summer like the thrill of experiencing the outdoors and soaking up the sun. Fortunately in Australia, there is plenty to be excited about in terms of outdoor activities. From family sports at the local park, to long days on the beach and around the barbie. Another beloved summer pastime is to head out to sea for a day of boating, feeling the gentle rocking of the waves and smelling the fresh sea breeze. With any activity sun safety is vital to ensure you enjoy this summer and many more summers to come.

If you've always dreamed about getting a vessel of your own, then perhaps this could be the year you make it happen, with a boat loan from AAA Finance. With a range of boat loan options, quick approval, easy application and great rates. AAA Finance should be your first call when thinking of financing a boat or jet ski.

What you should know about UVA vs. UVB rays

The majority of the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that reaches the Earth's surface is UVA. This is the type of UV that is commonly associated with what is known as the 'tanning effect'. However, it is also associated with photo ageing. And there is some evidence pointing to UVA contributing to the development of skin cancer.

UVB, with a shorter wavelength, is particularly dangerous, penetrating the superficial layers of our skin. Responsible for the painful redness of sunburn, overexposure to UVB is also a potential cause of melanoma or skin cancer.

Sun safety for your eyes

Like snow, water reflects UV rays back at you. This means that just wearing a hat is not sufficient to fully block the effects of the sun. In addition, your eyes can take a fair beating from the harsh sunlight, as well as the glare off the water. Overexposure to UV rays can result in mild irritation as well as discomfort when looking at bright lights.

In more serious cases, long term UV damage can lead to cataracts and potentially skin cancer. It is vital to invest in a good pair of shades if you intend on going boating on a regular basis. Sun Smart recommends a wraparound style that meets the Australian Standard. A pair with a category 2, 3 or 4 label, or an eye protection factor (EPF) of 9 or above will provide sufficient protection for your peepers. Polarised sunglasses have the added advantage of allowing you to easily see through the water.

Sun safety for your skin

Covering up is the best way to beat the sun, especially when UV rays are at their strongest (usually in the middle of the day).

Clothing

Clothing is the number one way to protect yourself from the sun but choose carefully. Darker materials absorb more UV and rate higher than lighter clothing. Tightly woven fabric blocks more UV than a material that lets the light through. There are so many products on the market designed to protect your skin from the sun. Shirts with hoodies, long sleeves and hand protection. Fishing shirts with vents, pockets and awesome graphics. Neck gaiters and of course the trusty broad brim hat. Some fabrics now have a ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). A shirt with a UPF of 50 would allow just 1/50^th of the sun’s UV radiation to reach your skin.

Sunscreen

Last but not least don't forget the sunscreen for any exposed skin. Your selection of sunscreen can go a long way to protecting yourself from dangerous UV rays. Sun Smart recommends opting for a formula with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, which filters out 96.7 per cent of UVR. Even better, an SPF 50 sunscreen will filter out 98 per cent. Make sure you choose a broad spectrum formula, which blocks both UVA and UVB. Boaties in particular should make sure their sunscreen is water-resistant, as well as remembering to reapply once every two hours to maintain optimum sun protection.

Get out on the water with a AAA Boat Loan

If you're ready to start your boating adventure this summer, talk to the team at AAA Finance to find out more about getting a secured or personal boat loan. Want to find out just how much you can spend? Use our boat loan calculator to determine if loan repayments will fit within your budget.

Our expert team will tailor a finance package to suit you at some of the most competitive rates on the market. In addition to boat finance, we also have a range of insurance options to keep you afloat and protect your asset for an enjoyable summer on the water.