Tips for Beating the Heat on the Boat: Enjoying Summer At the Lake

Summertime… without a doubt is my favorite, but it’s also HOT—like really HOT—especially living in Upstate South Carolina.

Regardless of the weather, It’s important to me to raise children who play outside (you know, the whole “get out and see something” motto we live by), but doing so safely without the constant complaints about “being hot” is key to my sanity.

Here are my 5 favorite tips for beating the heat on the boat to ensure a day of fun without the sunburn (or complaints)

1. Beating the Summer Heat Requires Sun Protection 

When out on the boat on a blazing hot day, we make sure to put up the sunshade. This gives everyone a chance to catch a break from the glaring hot sun. The extra 5 minutes it takes to set this up and take it down are worth the effort when you are out on the lake and the sun is just blaring.

Outfits matter too! Ryan loves a “fishing shirt.” These lightweight UV-protectant shirts are the best to protect against sunburn while staying cool. Our kids have bathing suits with either a rash guard or a long-sleeved swimsuit for the girls. It’s just an extra layer to help reduce sunburn opportunities and can comfortably get wet

Sunscreen is a must in our house. We keep it in the Bogg Bag and apply it frequently. Don’t forget sunscreen for your lips! We keep chapstick in our Bogg Bag and an extra on the boat. No one wants a sun blister! But when it’s hot…. It is so easy for it to melt and make a mess, so here is one of my favorite bonus tips: Throw your chapstick (with SPF, of course) into your cooler so it won’t melt.

2. Surviving Hot Boat Days Requires Proper Hydration… But don’t make it boring

Surviving hot boat days requires proper hydration, but let’s make it fun!

Packing plenty of water and drinks that hydrate (not dehydrate) you is a no-brainer, but here’s our twist for packing for a boat day:
Everyone brings their favorite water bottle, and we load the cooler with backup water. 

But let’s be real, drinking water all day doesn’t always make it feel like a special day out. That’s why I pack at least one fun drink for everyone on board. Bonus points if it’s something we don’t normally have!

At home, our kids never get Kool-Aid drinks, but on the boat, they make for a fun, special treat. Plus, they’re easy to pack and clean up. It’s always a big hit with the kids.

Personally, I love sparkling water—it’s a refreshing change from regular water. And if I’m feeling really wild, I’ll have a non-alcoholic Blue Moon (hey, don’t knock it until you try it; I’ve been loving these lately).

The goal is to stay hydrated with mostly water but bring a treat that makes the day feel a bit different from every other outing.

3. Refreshing Snacks to Keep You Cool On Summer Boat Days

Your snacks can be a game-changer for beating the heat on the boat. There’s nothing better than a refreshing snack on a hot day. Alongside plenty of cold drinks, I always pack something juicy.

Melon is a top pick for this. While Ryan worries about watermelon staining the boat, cantaloupe or strawberries are fantastic alternatives. 

Favorite Tip: Want to really wow your guests with a fun treat on the boat? Bring popsicles! Nothing beats a frozen treat on a scorching day. Now, I know it might sound odd because there’s no freezer on your pontoon boat. But here’s my trick: pack the frozen treats in a large thermos filled with ice. Modern thermoses can keep items super cold for hours. This is hands down one of my favorite boating hacks—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

4. Water Games are Key

Truthfully, slow boat rides examining the lake houses are my absolute favorite boating activity, but the reality is when it’s hot, going slow in 100-degree humid weather doesn’t work… at least if you want a happy crowd.

In-water games are key. When it’s hot, I take it a step further by ensuring we have floats or noodles so the kids (or us) don’t have to exert much energy but can still easily float. It’s hot, and the goal is to cool down, not necessarily to exercise.

Activities that encourage water play are always a hit on a hot day. Here are a few of my favorites (remember, it’s hot, so we keep it easy):

• Cannonball/Dive contests
• Using a noodle as a paddle and a float as a boat to “paddle to shore”
• Tag… but you must stay in your tube
• Squirt guns and floats

5. Prepping for The Best Day Beating the Summer Heat on the Boat

This single tip will ensure you end your day on a positive note: before you go out on the water, create a snack plate or charcuterie board. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but your guests (or family) will be thrilled when they walk inside and see snacks ready. 

You’ll be grateful you prepared this ahead of time. The boat and the heat exhaust you, so having this prepared allows you to just enjoy the snacks and your company without having to prepare or clean up.

What are your favorite things to do (and treats to have) on a hot boat day?