Boaters get a powerful one-two punch of solar energy rays directly from above, and rays that are reflected off the water. As much as 50 percent of the sun's UV rays are reflected off of the water. So you can get badly burned even while in the shade or wearing a broad-brimmed hat. All of this combines to significantly increase the risk of skin cancer among boaters, particularly those who are fair skinned. Although difficult for scientists to prove, recent studies suggest that the gradual thinning of the Earth's ozone layer is also increasing the danger.
Many physicians maintain that skin cancer is reaching epidemic proportions.
According to the American Cancer Society, nearly a million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year in the U.S. alone. While the numbers are alarming, there is no need to be paranoid about spending a long day on the water. At the same time, it is wise to guard against the sun's damaging effects while you are out there. Prescreening In the good ol' days, sun-lovers applied nothing at all to their skin, except perhaps a little tanning oil. Today, advancements in the medical field have resulted in lotions called sunscreens and sun blocks that effectively protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.