Living in St. Petersburg offers an incredible gift to anyone who loves the water. Whether you’re an avid angler chasing tarpon near the Skyway, cruising the Intracoastal, or simply enjoying a relaxing day on Tampa Bay, our access to the water is second to none. But as an internal medicine physician, I know that a perfect day on the boat depends on more than just good weather and a full cooler.
Your health and safety are the most important gear you can bring on board. The marine environment, as beautiful as it is, presents a unique set of challenges to your body. Intense sun, oppressive heat, and the potential for specific injuries require smart preparation. Before you head out from the marina, here are some essential health tips to ensure your adventure is both enjoyable and safe.
1. The Unforgiving Sun: More Than Just a Tan
On the water, the sun is relentless. You’re not only getting direct UV radiation from above but also a second dose that reflects off the water’s surface, significantly increasing your exposure. This is why a serious approach to sun protection is non-negotiable.
- Sunscreen is Your First Mate: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it generously 20 minutes before you even leave the house. Most importantly, you must reapply it every two hours, and more frequently if you’ve been swimming or sweating heavily. Don’t forget often-missed spots like the tops of your ears, your neck, your feet, and your scalp (or wear a hat!).
- Clothing is Your Best Armor: Sunscreen is great, but physical barriers are even better. Invest in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+. These fabrics are designed to block harmful rays and are often moisture-wicking to keep you cool.
- Protect Your Eyes and Head: A wide-brimmed hat is crucial to shield your face, ears, and neck. For your eyes, polarized sunglasses are a must. They not only reduce the intense glare off the water, which can cause headaches and eye strain, but they also protect your eyes from long-term damage like cataracts and macular degeneration.
2. Winning the Battle Against Heat and Dehydration
The combination of Florida heat and direct sun exposure on a boat can lead to dehydration and heat-related illness faster than you think.
- Hydrate Proactively: The golden rule is to drink water before you feel thirsty. By the time thirst kicks in, you’re already on your way to being dehydrated. Pack more water than you think you’ll need for everyone on board.
- Balance Water with Electrolytes: If you’re sweating a lot, you’re losing essential salts (electrolytes) along with water. Alternate your water intake with a sports drink or an electrolyte powder mix.
- Limit Diuretics: Be mindful of alcohol and caffeine consumption. Both are diuretics, meaning they cause your body to lose more fluid, accelerating dehydration. Enjoy them in moderation and be sure to drink extra water to compensate.
- Know the Signs of Trouble:
- Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache, and cool, clammy skin. If you feel this, move to a shaded or air-conditioned area immediately, sip cool water, and use wet cloths to cool down.
- Heat Stroke: This is a medical emergency. Signs include a high body temperature (over 103°F), confusion, a lack of sweating, and hot, red skin. Call 911 immediately.
3. Your Onboard First-Aid Kit: Handling Common Marine Injuries
A well-stocked, waterproof first-aid kit is essential. Beyond standard bandages and antiseptic wipes, consider these water-specific issues:
- Cuts, Hooks, and Puncture Wounds: Fish hooks, filet knives, barnacles, and oyster shells can all cause nasty cuts. The biggest concern in our warm saltwater is the risk of bacterial infection, particularly from Vibrio vulnificus. This bacterium can cause severe skin infections, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems or liver disease.
- First Aid: Immediately clean any wound thoroughly with fresh water and soap. Apply an antiseptic and cover with a clean, dry bandage.
- When to Seek Help: See a doctor for any deep puncture wound (especially from a fish hook), any wound that won’t stop bleeding, or any cut that shows signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, pain, or pus).
- Jellyfish and Stingrays:
- Jellyfish Stings: Rinse the area with saltwater (not fresh water) to deactivate the stingers. Carefully remove any visible tentacles. Soaking in hot water can help with the pain.
- Stingray Barbs: This is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. The barb causes a painful puncture wound and releases venom. The primary first aid is to immerse the affected area in non-scalding hot water to help neutralize the venom’s effect on your way to an urgent care center or emergency room.
4. Plan Ahead: Managing Medications on the Water
If you take regular medications for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, a little planning is crucial.
- Bring Extra: Always pack more medication than you need for the planned duration of your trip in case you are delayed.
- Keep it Cool and Dry: Store medications in a waterproof bag and keep them out of direct sunlight. Extreme heat can degrade the effectiveness of many drugs, including insulin.
- Be Aware of Side Effects: Some medications, particularly diuretics ("water pills") and certain blood pressure drugs, can increase your risk of dehydration and sensitivity to the sun. If you’re an avid boater, it’s a great idea to discuss your medications with your doctor to understand any potential side effects related to sun and heat exposure.
Your Health is Your First Mate
A successful day on the water is a safe day on the water. By taking these proactive steps—respecting the sun, staying hydrated, being prepared for injuries, and managing your health needs—you can focus on what you love most: the peace and thrill of boating and fishing in our beautiful corner of Florida.
If you have questions about managing a chronic condition while staying active outdoors, schedule an appointment. We can work together to create a plan that keeps you healthy on land and at sea.
