Sunday 24 April 2016

How to Teach Snorkeling To Kids

Kids Snorkeling
Children take to water like ducks and love to explore the extent of their abilities, while having fun. Introducing kids to the underwater world, widening their scope of knowledge of the undersealife, adds to their well-rounded development. Snorkeling is the best and simplest way to do this and kids as young as 5 or 6 years old, can be taught to snorkel. Here is how to make snorkeling an integral part of their swimming experience.

Kids Snorkeling 101

  • Buy the kids, snorkels and masks that fit comfortably. Since they will outgrow them soon, go in for inexpensive (not cheap or shoddy) equipment. Make sure that the mask fits tightly but is comfortable. To check this, see if the mask stays stuck to the face when the kids exhale hard through the nose.
  • Tell them how the equipment is to be used and allow them to play with it until they are comfortable with it. Encourage them to get used to breathing through the snorkel.
  • A common problem is that kids hate the feeling of rubber straps pulling against their hair. To combat this, fit the strap so that any rubbing against the hair is minimized. With the mask tightly in place, start the practice session in a bath tub and allow the kids to put their faces under water. Gradually loosen the strap until water starts to trickle in. This will allow the kids to understand why the mask has to be firmly in place.
  • Next let the kids use the snorkel in the tub to get used to breathing under water. Often children get so enchanted with the new sensation that they are reluctant to stop. Ensure that they begin with just a minute or two under water and gradually increase the time spent under water, in stages.
  • Once the kids understand how to use the mask and snorkel, take them to a swimming pool and allow them to practice using the equipment there.
  • Remember that children can get excited and become careless in putting on their masks and snorkels. Always check the fit yourself before letting them duck their heads under water.
  • Once they can swim and dive underwater in the pool, the next step is to take them into open water. Begin in a calm lagoon or something similar. There should be no or only minimal wave action as this can disorient a child who is still learning to snorkel.
  • Allow the children to use water wings so they don’t expend all their energy swimming on the surface and become too tired to enjoy the snorkeling experience.
  • The most important aspect of teaching kids to snorkel safely is to always set a good example and be meticulous in checking the equipment, putting it on, monitoring the amount of time spent in the water and obeying all the safety rules.

One of the most memorable snorkeling experiences that you can create, for “the young ones”, would be to take them to the best snorkeling locations as early in their lives, as possible. Among the very best are the waters off the big island of Hawaii. This would be the ideal location to introduce your young new snorkelers to, as comfortable charter boats with experienced crew are available. The crew of the charter boat you hire, will guide and support your snorkeling adventure, and ensure the safety of your entourage, making your snorkeling experience a delight.