The primary Personal Protection Equipment for boating or activities around bodies of water are Personal Flotation Devices, also known as life jackets or life vests. Coast Guard regulations require boats to have a PFD for every person onboard and many activities, such as construction, require wearing life vests when working near the water. The fire department where I volunteer requires everyone working within 10' of the water to wear a life vest. However there are other pieces of equipment or apparel that can provide significant protection against the elements you are exposed to.
Some boats, such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and sailboats, require a significant amount of manual work handling paddles, oars, and/or ropes. Gloves are needed to protect your hands against blisters, splinters, and rope burn. Wearing proper gloves not only protects your hands against injury, they provide you with better grip, enhancing your control over the equipment you are handling and allowing you to use more of your strength if needed..
Almost any activity around water has to deal with a lot of sunlight. Even on a cloudy day there is a lot of UV radiation both from the sky and being reflected off the water. The two most common and useful tools for protecting yourself from excess sunlight are sunscreen and sunglasses. A good hat is also useful. A broad brimmed hat provides the most all round protection including your ears and neck but even skippers cap or a baseball style cap can help protect your face and eyes.
Deck shoes are advised on most boats. Deck shoes have specially designed soles to give you better grip on wet decks. You should not wear your deck shoes off the boat, especially on dirt, gravel, or asphalt pavement where they may pick up particles that will scratch and damage the deck when you return to the boat.
Rain wear is essential if you get caught in a sudden squall out on your boat. For best results choose a light weigh, waterproof outer layer to keep you dry and add insulating inner layers as needed in colder temperatures. Make sure your rain gear fits properly so it neither restricts your movement or interferes with your necessary actions around the boat. The manual tasks on sailboats are particularly susceptible to loose clothing getting caught in running rigging and often contribute to quickly getting too warm if you aren't dressed right for both air temperature and level of activity.
Most boating activities occur during fairly warm weather but if you should be out during colder weather be sure to dress for it. Dress in layers so you can easily adjust as either the outside temperature rises or your level of activity increases. Be sure to include warm, water resistant gloves and some kind of head and ear protection. My favorite cold weather hat is a Russian ushanka, or ear hat, with the fuzzy flaps that cover my ears. It might be overkill out on the water but I sure like it in the snow or just cold desert nights.
Racers use harnesses and life lines to secure themselves to a sturdy anchor point on the boat to prevent them being thrown or washed over board. Most pleasure boats and related activity don't require such stringent procedures but you should definitely make sure you are secure whenever you are moving around on a boat. I once did some work for the Union Pacific Railroad and one their standard safety procedures when getting on or off railroad cars or equipment was to maintain at least three points of contact at all times. I find that a good practice on my boat as well. Handrails and lifelines are good places to get a grip. Sometimes I use the shrouds that support the mast on my sailboat but I find the rather thin steel cables don't feel as secure as a handrail. Some shrouds are coated in plastic that makes them more comfortable but they are still kind of small to get a good grip on. You might want to invest in harnesses and life lines even if you aren't racing. If you have small children or passengers with disabilities or other weakness that might put them at risk, harnesses might be well advised. You never know when something like the wake from a passing ski boat or tour boat will cause your boat to suddenly lurch, putting everyone on board at risk.
General apparel for boating and other aquatic activities often includes swim suits or shorts. While this is often the most comfortable when it gets wets and dries faster than wearing something with greater coverage, there is a trade-off between freedom from wet clothes and protection from sunburn. Of course swim suits are in order when you are swimming, water skiing, snorkeling, or diving but you might be better off wearing a light weight long-sleeved shirt and light weight pants on the boat. Not only does that provide better protection against sunburn, it will usually feel cooler since it shades your skin and allows perspiration to evaporate to cool you down. Consider that the nomads who live in hot deserts dress in loosely fitting robes rather than skimpy clothes.
Be save on and around the water!
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