Snorkeling
Hazards and Dangers associated with snorkeling
Even if contrary to scuba diving, snorkeling isn't considered a dangerous recreational activity and doesn't require any certification at all, the same as in any water sport, some hazards and dangers do occur, which a beginner snorkeler should be aware of.
Inadequate reaction dangers
Most snorkeling associated injuries are caused by reflex actions leading to harmful contact with otherwise harmless objects like reefs, stones, boats etc. rather often resulting in some nasty things like, say, scraped elbow or knee. Mind that under water, especially in tropics, even small scrapes tend to be easily infected.
Dangerous marine creatures?
Sometimes the same injuries are due to simple lack of knowledge. The underwater life and marine aquatic creatures are very colorful and arouse one's natural curiosity, but better watch and don't get tempted to touch anything you are not sure what it is.
Not speaking of the extremely rare instances of snorkellers provoking some sea creatures to attack them (say, accidents were reported, when wearing jewelry or something metallic provoked barracudas to attack snorkellers on Cuba's resort outside of Holguin), normally the injuries are due to diver's voluntary contact with the creatures that can be only dangerous when touched or stepped on, such as jellyfish or black sea urchin.
Cold water
Getting over chilled is another danger. The point is that in the water the human body gets quickly accustomed even to the temperatures rather lower that can normally be afforded, and you can start freezing before you realize it, which in the worst case can result in muscle spasms. Once you have noticed the very first signs of feeling cold, get out of the water immediately, and don't resume snorkeling until you are completely warmed up.
Staying warm is crucial. If you feel cold in the water permanently, or if you see you get chilled too fast, then you need a dive skin, a wet vest, or a lightweight wet suit, depending on how much thermal protection you need to feel comfortable in the aquatic environment.
Currents
Not to be overlooked, sea currents can be very dangerous, even the smallest ones can be misleading. In no time you can find yourself being caught into a stronger one and swept out to open sea. The main rule is not to try swim directly against the flow back to shore. Swim to the side or slantwise out of the current, and don't loose control, don't give the way to fear!
Remember, contrary to many other water sports, in snorkeling the true measure and the real indicator of your skills is your ability to stay relaxed. Speaking in the terms of confronting a danger while snorkeling, the best response to a dangerous or potentially fatal situation is to stay calm.
Safety rules
Whatever hazards, snorkeling can be enjoyed by entire family provided a snorkeller follows a couple of simple safety rules:
- Learn how to fit and use snorkeling equipment the right way, don't use leaky masks, be sure your mask seals well around your entire face
- Be sure to put on a a bathing cap if your hair is long
- As for fins, putting them on is recommended not before entering the water, but after you've walked in waist-deep
- Don't snorkel alone
- Don't allow children to snorkel unsupervised by a grown-up person
- Avoid getting over chilled
- Never go snorkelling under the influence of alcohol
- Practice snorkeling in shallow place before you snorkel in deep water
- Stick strongly to the rule "feet-first" when entering the water. Head-first is allowed only when the swimming area is clearly marked for diving.
- Pay special attention to practicing how to clear water from your snorkel, inhaling which can be cause of suffocation due to breathing in some water
- Learn how to equalize your ears pressure while going down deeper under the water
- Make sure there are no strong sea surface or underwater currents in the place you intend to snorkel at
- Don't snorkel at night or in a restricted area
- Remember that salt water is an excellent electricity conductor. You should immediately get out of the water if you expect the start of storm or rain
- Learn swimming
- Observe general water safety rules
- Know how to avoid dangers and prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies.
