Skin & Eye Care Helpful pontooning hints from the staff of Pontoon Boat Guide.

Boaters who grew up on the water often find themselves telling friends, "My parents couldn't coax me out of the water. I stayed in there all day, and they had to drag me out for supper." It's true; most children have a natural affinity for the water. They're drawn to it, and it becomes the beloved backdrop for every adventure, every fanciful imagining. So parents must be extra vigilant, because the same sun that warms the lake can also damage tender skin and young eyes.

A few simple precautions to protect your children during long pontooning days:

1. Avoid peak hours: Make sure your children aren't in the sun for prolonged periods of time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest. Insist that they take breaks in the shade, either on shore or under the Bimini, and sweeten the deal with lunch, snacks, games or other activities.
2. Cover up: If the kids are going to be in the sun for extended periods, cover them up. Light long-sleeved shirts (provided you can't see through them) work well. Also, have them shield their faces with hats. This is particularly important with infants; babies younger than 6 months shouldn't wear sunscreen, so if they are going to be exposed to the sun, cover them completely and shield their faces with large, wide-brimmed hats. Floppy beach hats with brims that go all the way around are better than baseball caps. If the boys refuse to wear anything like this (and they will), try Indiana Jones-style expedition hats.
3. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen: It can't be emphasized enough, especially in an environment where you have to be concerned with both the sun and reflection off the water. Apply approximately 30 minutes before the children head out, and reapply every two to three hours — more frequently if the child is swimming or sweating heavily. For kids ages 6 months and older, choose a sunscreen that's SPF 15 or higher and is "broad-spectrum" (protects against UVA and UVB rays). There are a variety of effective sunscreens on the market; you can buy brands that are formulated for sensitive skin, feature exotic scents and are water- and sweat-proof. Some even come in convenient spray bottles.
4. Protective eye wear: Make sure your children wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection. If they're reluctant, allow them to help choose their own glasses. And remember, your kids will be more likely to wear their sunglasses if Mom and Dad are wearing them too. (The same goes for cover-ups and sunscreen application!)