Wednesday 28 October 2015

The Essentials of Snorkeling Safety

Let’s be clear about one thing – snorkeling is among all sports, the safest of sports / pastimes. True, every activity has its risks. For instance, you could fall off a chair playing chessor get hit by a golf ball. Snorkeling is no exception. Taking needless risks in any activity is detrimental to your safety, so here are a few tips on how to maximize your safety when snorkeling.

Staying Safe in the Water

Never do it alone

Always swim in pairs or in a group. Make it a point to keep an eye on each other so that if your partner needs assistance, it can be given without delay. Your underwater “buddy” should be a person you can depend on or a professional snorkeler. Remember all the safety rules about swimming in general also apply to snorkeling.

Stay near the shore or boat

It’s easy to overestimate your abilities and endurance and swim out too far. Always stay within comfortable swimming distance of your starting point. If you are unsure of your abilities in the open water, swim out a short distance and return. If you feel comfortable, swim a little further and do the same thing. Keep doing this until you find that you have reached the limit of your comfort. This is yoursnorkeling range and never go beyond it. Also keep in mind that water conditions can affect your strength and endurance, so always keep a safety margin when deciding how far you cansnorkel.

Conserve your energy

Flotation devices like a waist belt or snorkeling vest are not just for beginners. Even experienced snorkelers use them to conserve energy and extend their time in the water. You can leave the belt or vest on the surface when you dive and go back for it, when you surface. Another way of conserving energy is to limit your time underwater. Short dives use up much less energy than longer ones. Go back to the surface before you reach your limits. You can always return to see more.

Be aware of where you are

Learn about the environment you will be in so you can take precautions against currents, pounding surf and dangerous underwater protrusions.

Do not touch marine life

Most underwater creatures will avoid contact with humans. But if you get too close to them, they may act to defend themselves and this could cause you injury. Remember that when under the water you are in their world so act as a guest should.

Whether you are an experienced snorkeler or a beginner, the best way to stay safe and maximize the enjoyment that you will derive from it, is to go out on a charter boat. A boat with an experienced crew will take you to the best snorkeling spots, provide you with the gear you need (if you don’t have your own) and do all that it takes to keep you safe.  They will also be able to give you valuable tips on underwater etiquette, as well will be knowledgeable about the underwater currents and conditions. Among the best places to snorkel and also where the best charter boats can be found are on the Big Island of Hawaii.