The
most important safety tip while snorkeling is to never do it alone.
An overwhelming number of accidents happen to divers who go it alone, so
having a buddy with you is a valuable asset in case of mishap. Choose a
buddy who you are comfortable with and stay close together while you are
out. And don't snorkel if you cannot swim. It sounds like common
sense, but we receive a surprising amount of email on this subject.
Stay close to shore. Beginning snorkelers often misjudge their own
capabilities and endurance and find themselves worn out or exhausted.
Be sure to stay close to shore or reserve enough energy to get yourself
back safely. Move onto your back and tread water for a few minutes to
regain energy before coming back in if you are already tired or must
return through rough surf or strong currents.
Be aware of your surroundings. Know the area that you are diving in
and if there are any areas to avoid. Be very careful around rocky
shores or pounding surf, which can pick up a snorkeler and cause injury.
(During a snorkeling excursion in Hawaii a few years back we were
watching fish near a rocky outcropping, and a large wave threw us about
8 feet into the rocks where the water was about 18 inches deep - luckily
we weren't hurt, but we easily could have been)
If you are snorkeling in open water, know the tides and be careful of
getting sucked out or trapped by an outgoing tide.
Retain your energy.
To avoid exhaustion consider snorkeling with a flotation device of some
sort. A simple waist belt or
snorkeling vest can make your excursion significantly more
enjoyable by allowing you to focus on what you are watching and not on
any fatigue you may be experiencing. (If you need to dive below the
surface, you can leave your belt "up top" and find it when you surface.
If you frequently dive below the surface, consider making several short
dives instead of one long one, or make sure to use a floatation device
to rest and regain energy between dives. You’ll enjoy yourself more and
be more capable of avoiding injury if you are not over tired. Cold
water can also drain a diver’s heat and sap their strength. If you are
snorkeling in cold water, consider wearing a wetsuit or other protective
equipment.
Do not touch marine life: Although most underwater animals will
avoid contact with humans, many creatures have some method of defense if
they feel in danger. To protect yourself, maintain a safe distance from
all sea creatures and try not to make any sudden moves to startle the
ocean inhabitants.
Be aware of the seabed. In shallow waters, coral and other rough
surfaces can severely injure a snorkeler who is not careful. Do not let
yourself get into too shallow waters, and be wary of outgoing tides,
which may bring you closer to the seabed or suck you out farther to
sea.
Learn first aid and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If a person takes
water into their lungs or stops breathing, the most effective response
is artificial respiration performed quickly. Learn how to properly
perform basic mouth-to-mouth and practice performing it both on land and
in the water. Take a first aid course and practice before you go out.
