How to beat the heat in a tinnie

While it is enjoyable getting out to immerse in some rays, you will need to take a number of measures in order to prevent sunburn, heatstroke and dehydration.

One of the simplest ways to keep your body cool is by staying hydrated.

Unless you're only sneaking out for a quick fish, you will have an icebox or two on board with you.

Generally speaking, you'll have one icebox for the bait, but it's a smart move to keep your drinking water separate. A small cooler bag with some frozen ice bricks works well for this.

Place a tea towel inside the bag that you can put around the back of your neck to cool yourself down during the day.

In warm weather, you'll need to frequently hydrate. I work on picking up my water bottle every 20 minutes for a top-up which is generally enough to keep myself hydrated.

If I’m heading out for the whole day, I will also pack a couple of sports drinks as they supply electrolytes and help keep dehydration at bay.

Some symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, a dry mouth and a headache, so if you experience any of them, be sure to take action.

The beauty of boating is that you have the option of taking a quick dip over the side if you wish.

Hoewever, this isn’t for everyone. What you can do instead is splash some fresh water on the deck to produce a cooling effect.

Be careful if you're using salt water as it can corrode certain parts of the boat over time.

Always wash your boat with fresh water once you arrive home to minimise the risk of corrosion, and disconnect any batteries to minimise electrolysis.

It is sensible to wear a broad-brimmed hat while out fishing and boating as it considerably reduces the amount of UV radiation beating down on your face.

I also advise wearing a long-sleeved fishing shirt rated to UPF50+, the maximum sun protection factor. They are lightweight and comfortable to fish in all day long, are fast-drying which comes in handy after your sleeve becomes soaked from releasing a fish, and offer top protection from harmful rays.

Some even now come with hoods and longer sleeves that provide cover for the backs of your hands.

A good set of polarised sunnies is advisable to complete the look. Not only do they help you see drop-offs and weed edges through the reflective glare coming up from the water, they also protect your eyes from the sun.

Along with wearing protective clothing, sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun.

Apply sunscreen and continue to apply it throughout the day at two-hour intervals.

Sweating and swimming can both reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen so always reapply.

There is a good range of non-greasy sunscreens on the market that won't make everything slippery or leave white stains on everything you touch.

Finding some shade on a hot summer’s day is on most people's to-do list. However, it's a bit trickier on a boat as you can’t just pull up under a tree.

The best idea is to provide your own shade.

A bimini top is a great way to add instant shade to your vessel. It's a soft fold-out awning that can be custom-made to fit your boat or tinnie, but you can also buy them pre-made from most boating stores.

You can generally pick them up for less than $200 for an entry-level model, with pricier ones adding features such as extra coverage or even rocket launcher rod holders.

Don’t let the sun stop you from getting out and about to enjoy some of this beautiful summer weather.

Follow these tips, along with avoiding peak UV exposure times, to ensure you have an enjoyable day on the water and stay sunburn-free.