Sun, Heat & Cold-Water Protection
Crabbing and shellfishing seasons span the hottest and some of the coldest Hampton Roads weather — dress and hydrate for the actual conditions, not just the activity.
Summer crabbing/shrimping conditions bring real heat-illness risk during long hours on open water or exposed mud flats — sun protection (hat, sunscreen, UV-rated clothing) and proactive hydration matter more than they might seem to for a seemingly low-exertion activity.
Cold-water immersion risk is real for early-spring or late-fall wading and boat-based crabbing — dress in layers appropriate for the water temperature, not just the air temperature, and never assume a short wade is too brief to matter if the water is genuinely cold.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-08-10.
This page is general education. It does not replace official regulations, current health-closure status, or individualized medical advice — see Regulations and Health & Safety.