You might boat or jetski because it’s fun, but these activities also have plenty of health benefits. As a boater, I’ve always loved being out on the water, using it as an escape from the busyness of the city and feeling stress-free with little to no interruptions.
Those of us who have spent time on the water all inherently know one thing: being out on the water makes us feel good. The sound and feeling of the water beneath us and the sun warming us with its heat make the day’s worries seemingly dissipate as you step off the dock.
Did you know those feelings are backed up by proof? Here are some insights into just why being in (or on, or near) the water brings you joy. There are many benefits to safe boating!
Water offers us a “Blue Mind”
Recent research has shown that people experience positive emotional, behavioral, and psychological benefits being around water or participating in activities such as boating.
Dr. Wallace Nichols, a marine biologist, is the author of Blue Mind, a bestselling book on the scientific connection between water and happiness. The book explores the overall health benefits of spending time on a boat.
According to Dr. Nichols:
“We now know, thanks to science, that the mere sight and sound of water promotes wellness by lowering cortisol, increasing serotonin and inducing relaxation. It only makes sense that being on a boat is one of the best ways to access the wellness benefits of the water.”
In today’s age of technology and urbanization, we often deal with a stressful environment offering little to no reprieve in day-to-day life. As you step onto a boat, all these stressors begin to fade away. A general sense of happiness and calm begins to come over you, placing you in what Dr. Nichols calls a “blue mind.”
Being On a Boat Changes You
According to Dr. Nichols, being on a boat promotes physiological and psychological changes, sparking creativity and play. Boating resets our brains, allowing us time to relax and recharge while connecting us with nature. It’s meditative, offering an escape from our everyday lives and generating a space to de-stress.
Boating appeals to our senses. The sight of water can induce feelings of happiness, while the sound can promote relaxation and calmness.
Boating Lowers Tension and Increases Health Benefits
Boating is a great way to spend time with your family while enjoying the fresh air and reaping the benefits of vitamin D offered by the sunlight. It gives you the opportunity to unplug from technology and your daily routine to focus on your social life.
Studies have shown that spending time working on social connections can lead to positive attributes such as lower tension and a healthier appetite.
It’s Not Just Boating
There are many options when it comes to being on the water that can increase your overall health. Snorkeling, jet skiing on a personal watercraft, fishing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and even just swimming are examples of water activities you can benefit from.
Choose a day on the water and leave your cell phones and worries on the dock. Come back feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Prioritize Boating Safety for More Peace of Mind
The last thing you want to do on the water is be stressed! Don’t let a relaxing, rejuvenating activity be ruined by worrying about your or anyone’s safety while on a boat, waterskiing, or simply being on the water.
Taking a boater course through BOATsmart! prepares you for boating and other water activities safely. You’ll learn safety essentials that can help you avoid accidents or injury, plus you’ll learn boating basics and tips to make your time on the water more enjoyable.
Don’t stress about being on the water! BOATsmart! is here to help you learn and stay safe. If you boat in Canada, get started with a Canada-approved course. For boaters in the U.S., choose the course for your state and get started.
Originally published March 1, 2020. Content most recently reviewed and updated August 1, 2024.
