Snorkeling is a type of outdoor water sport and recreational activity where you slowly swim through the water with specific equipment. There are several destinations that are popular with scuba divers including shallow ocean areas where it is easy to observe underwater life. While snorkeling may seem simple enough, you should always follow basic snorkeling safety tips to assure you have a safe and enjoyable underwater experience.
Training
Snorkeling is safe when you have the right training. Before getting your feet wet, you should get some basic type of snorkeling training. Snorkeling classes can be taken in most major cities and ports that readily offer scuba or snorkeling sporting events and equipment rentals. You should take classes or training from someone who has been trained through the National Association of Underwater Instructors. They are trained specifically in the form, process and safety of underwater swimming and activities, including snorkeling.
Equipment
Equipment is important with snorkeling and makes the experience a safe one. Some of the basic types of equipment include snorkeling vests, masks, snorkels and fins. If you are buying a vest for the first time, consult with the salesperson to assure a proper fit. You want to make sure your vest fits snugly but is not too big or it could interfere with your snorkel and your mask. Your snorkel mask also should fit snugly and form a tight seal around your eyes to prevent water from leaking in. The snorkel is a very important equipment piece. Made from sturdy plastic or rubber, the snorkel should allow you to breathe easily underwater and the bore or mouthpieces should be comfortable enough as well as the correct size to allow just the right amount of air to come through. Fins allow you to maneuver easily through the water and make turning more precise. You can choose from open heel or full feet fins based on what you feel most comfortable with.
Snorkeling Locations
It is important to make sure you are snorkeling in a designated snorkeling or scuba area before you set up and begin --the main reason is safety. When out in the water, there could be small boats or fisherman in no-wake zones, so you are not completely safe. When snorkeling, only a small amount of the snorkel appears above the water -- this can be easily missed by boaters or other water enthusiasts. Snorkeling in the right location also allows you to see designated coral reefs, shipwrecks or areas where certain sea creatures are more prevalent.
Partner Up
It is safest to tell someone that you are going to be snorkeling and where -- this assures someone knows where to look for you in case you don't come back right away. Having a partner is safer because someone is there should you experience distress or have an accident. A snorkeling partner can notify you of other things that he may see underwater or approaching sea creatures that could be dangerous such as sharks, octopus and stingrays.
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