Nothing beats a summer day on the lake. The family is together, active and enjoying the outdoors. It’s as good as it gets. To keep the party rolling all day long, it’s pretty crucial to know a few basic things about sun protection. After all, too much sun can take anyone out of the game. Fortunately, there are tried and true methods to keeping your family protected from the sun.

Extended Sunshade

One of the best ways to beat the heat as well as the sun’s rays is to use your boat’s sunshade, or bimini. The temperature from the sun on a given day is the same whether you’re in the shade or the sun, so why does it feel so much cooler in the shade? It’s because the sun’s solar radiation is being blocked by the bimini. Is this a big deal? Absolutely. It can mean a 10- 15-degree difference in how hot you feel. Add in the wind and you might feel even cooler yet. That’s the beauty of a bimini. Your family is protected from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, but the open sides don’t sacrifice the breeze.

Sunscreen & Zinc

It sounds obvious, but it only works if you use it. The spray-on types are great for convenience and angsty teens, but make sure you rub it in to get full coverage. You can’t go wrong with a good cream too. Bonus points if it’s lake-safe sunscreen and free from Oxybenzone. Just make sure you apply in the often-neglected places like behind the ears, tops of the ears, tops of feet, the back of the knees, and elbow creases. Try to find a waterproof sunscreen, but don’t trust that it won’t get rubbed off by a life jacket. It’s best to reapply every two hours, even if you don’t feel like you need it in the moment.

For those fair-skinned individuals out there, you probably already know all too well that regular sunscreen—even when dutifully applied—will not protect your nose. This is where zinc comes in. It comes in crazy colors for that ‘80s throwback flair, and the sun will not get through this stuff.

Hydrating

Be sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Purified water lacks minerals and electrolytes, and it can actually dehydrate you more when consumed in large quantities. You can’t go wrong with spring water, and if you’re looking for extra hydration, you can add extra electrolytes or bring sports drinks.

Sun Shirts

One of the best things you can use for sun protection, particularly with children, is a long-sleeved sun shirt. This may sound like a no-brainer, but just like sunscreen, it has to be worn to be effective. If kids take them off, sunscreen should go on. Check out the Malibu Gear Store for some battle-tested sun shirt options. Hats Doubling down on the nose and ear protection, a wide-brimmed sun blocker hat will do wonders to keep the sun off your face and neck. Just watch them in the wind or when running down the lake.

Neck Gaiter

If you’re really serious about your sun protection — or if you just really don’t like sunscreen —check out a neck gaiter. You can cover your entire face and neck with it when the light gets low and comes through the sides of the bimini.