Eye Safety Tips for Water Sport Beginners

According to 2024 Statista estimates, the latest studies into water sports reveal that up to 20% of all French respondents have participated in at least one form of aquatic activity in the last 12 months. Of course, that’s not surprising, considering just how many beautiful and exciting water-based activities there are in the country. From sailing on the Côte d’Azur to scuba diving in Marseille, there is something for everyone. This includes beginners who may be totally new to the marvels of water sports.

That said, while the diversity of water sports makes for an inclusive hobby, it’s important not to overlook the very real safety risks they pose. Given the nature of being in the water, with chemicals, organisms, and other people and objects, the eyes are some of the most vulnerable body parts. If the eyes are not properly safeguarded, it’s easy to experience a myriad of issues, ranging from infections to serious vision impairment. This is why, when entering water sports, it’s important that you include eye safety in your smart prep plan.

Without further ado, here are some simple but invaluable eye safety tips you need to remember before you take the plunge:

To date, up to three in four French people require vision correction. Usually, this means needing to use corrective medical devices like glasses or contacts. Unfortunately, these are not really designed for use in the water. Eyeglasses are likely to either fall, sink, break, or corrode when used in large bodies of water. Meanwhile, contacts can become unhygienic and capture bacteria.

To work around this, it’s important to swap to more water-friendly alternatives that can still ensure vision clarity and confidence. Regarding glasses, this can mean switching to either corrosion-safe frames or prescription water goggles. Oakley, for instance, has models for both that are designed to hold up even amid sweat, water, and above-average strain. Meanwhile, if you really need to use contacts, then switching to lentilles de contact jetables is safer. Available from trustworthy brands like Alcon and CooperVision, these contacts are designed for a single day of use. This means that they’re much less likely to retain and spread dangerous contaminants. Since they can also come with features like UV protection, they add an extra layer of eye safety. This is helpful considering how much sun damage you’re at risk of in the water.

As mentioned earlier, there is a high chance of ocular trauma in the water. For example, you could get hit by a paddle, a board, or even just by a particularly strong wave. At the very least, these are painful, but in worst-case scenarios, these can cause significant issues like retinal detachment. It’s rare, but there is even a chance that such an injury can lead to a secondary form of glaucoma. A vision-stealing condition, glaucoma is already the second leading cause of blindness globally.

With this in mind, it’s worth investing in the necessary protective gear. Depending on your water activity of choice, this can be something like safety sunglasses. For instance, the brand Wiley offers a selection of shades designed to withstand extended levels of wear and tear. This means that apart from safeguarding you from 100% UVA/UVB protection, it can also protect your delicate eye area from most impact and debris. Another example is sun protective goggles. As seen from brands like Wave, this eyewear is specially created to protect the wearer from some of the most common eyesight hazards in the water. This includes things like glare, fog, and even errant water that may sting and irritate the eyes.

Last but not least, you also need to remember to make time for ocular rest and relief. On average, the eyes are already very overworked, having to process millions of visual data points daily. In the water, this strain is compounded, given external factors like other aquatic athletes, debris, and changing light conditions that can be magnified due to reflections.

Don’t hesitate to take breaks for rinses or rest periods to keep your eyes functioning well and not impeding your enjoyment and performance. Taking a few minutes to rinse your eyes under clean, fresh water and practising eye exercises every so often can help ensure that they’re lubricated and relaxed. 

Also discover our latest article on innovations in boating!

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