Snorkeling Safety – 10 Tips Both Beginners And Pros Should Follow

Snorkeling is an easy and fun holiday activity that can be enjoyed by young and old. It requires no qualification, meaning everybody in good physical condition who can swim can snorkel, too. But since you will be out on open water, you need to know about some important snorkeling safety tips and rules. Here, we share with you ten we found the most important and will surely help you minimize the chance of discomfort, the risk of gear failure, and accidents so that you can make the most of your experience!

Build Water Confidence

Snorkeling is an easy sport; you can learn how to snorkel in a very short time. However, it is essential to feel comfortable in the water, so first, learn to swim well and practice in calm, shallow areas before going to deep water.

Buy Good Quality Gear And Learn To Use It Properly

Buy quality equipment from trusted manufacturers. Well-made snorkel gear is crucial for staying safe in the water. Bad-quality items might break in the most unexpected moments, so do not risk ruining your snorkel trip because of a leaking mask or damaged fins.

Spend time selecting the right mask, snorkel and snorkeling fins, and learn to use them properly. If you are planning to buy an Easybreath mask, read about Full Face Snorkel Mask safety! Safety accessories, like a snorkel vest and a swimming buoy should also be part of your equipment, especially if you are a beginner.

Do Not Snorkel Alone And Be Visible In The Water

If your family or partner is also keen on the underwater world, finding a buddy and organizing a snorkeling trip together is not a problem. But if you are alone, try to join a group or find a buddy in your hotel/on the beach.

Emergencies and difficulties can happen to everyone; if you are going together, you can help each other. And, of course, the fun is bigger when it is shared!

Should you go out alone, though, stay close to shore within sight. Get a waterproof phone bag and take your phone with you to call for help in an emergency.

For open-water snorkeling, carry a highly visible swim buoy. It makes you noticeable to your snorkel buddy and other people in the ocean. Boats passing nearby will spot you more easily, and you can rest on your flotation buoy if you are tired.

Avoid Snorkeling Right After Eating A Big Meal

Do not go snorkeling when your tummy is full. The waves and accidentally drinking salt water may upset your stomach, resulting in discomfort and sickness. Eat light, but nutrient-rich food like fruits, vegetables, salads with chicken or wholemeal pasta which will give you energy for swimming.

Tip: If you have any food allergies, make sure to pack some snacks you can eat during the day since gluten- and dairy-free options may not be easy to find at the beach. Bring nuts, fruits, sliced veggies with hummus and some gluten free protein bars; they are portable, tasty and will provide you with energy for the day!

Stay Hydrated, But Skip Alcohol

Did you attend a hard party last night and drink too much? Then, please stay on the shore and let your body regenerate. Swimming under the impact of alcohol can lead to dangerous situations. Decide what you want to do during the day; getting drunk and snorkeling don’t go together.

On the other hand, being hydrated is essential, especially while on holiday when you spend long hours outside in the sun, not just sitting in an air-conditioned office. Drink a lot of water and/or no-sugar-added juices. If you are in a tropical destination, have a coconut; it is a great natural way to stay hydrated and tastes fantastic!

Be Fit And Healthy

If you feel you are not fully fit, have a cold, or a sunstroke, wait until you are healthy again. Snorkeling can be physically demanding, and being in good health ensures you can enjoy the experience safely. Make sure you’re well-rested, hydrated, and not dealing with any illness or injury before heading into the water. Prioritizing your well-being will help you stay comfortable and enjoy exploring the underwater world more.

Choose A Safe Spot To Snorkel

Look for locations with calm, clear waters and minimal currents, especially if you’re a beginner. Check for any warnings or advice. It’s also a good idea to snorkel in designated areas, such as marine parks or protected reefs, where the environment is monitored and maintained for safe enjoyment. If there is a buoy line, stay within that; it means that the area is safe to swim and boat-free.

If there is no sign of where to snorkel, ask the locals about the conditions, currents and things to see. Before snorkeling, check the entry and possible exit points and plan where to come from the water. Always stay close to the shore/reef so you can return to the shore if you feel tired or not well. If you want to go night snorkeling, check if it is allowed and safe at the given location.

Check The Weather Forecast

Before heading out for a snorkeling adventure, checking the weather is crucial. Ideal conditions include clear skies, mild winds, and calm seas, which ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Avoid snorkeling during stormy or windy weather, as rough waves and poor visibility can make the water hazardous. Also, remember that conditions on the sea can change in seconds; wind, waves, and currents can become extremely strong quickly. If the weather is nice in the morning, there can be a thunderstorm in the afternoon, especially in the tropics.

Checking the forecast ahead of time helps you plan your trip around the best conditions, keeping you safe while exploring the underwater world. Take beach warning flags seriously and follow lifeguards’ instructions. Learn how to recognize rip currents and how to escape if caught.

Protect Your Skin To Avoid Sunburn And Jellyfish Stings

Protecting your skin against sun rays is a snorkeling safety tip that, unfortunately, people use to skip. Sunburn can be not only painful but also dangerous. It is better to wear a UV protective rash guard instead of applying sunblock, which contains chemicals and can harm marine life. If you still want to use sunscreen, buy one that is coral reef safe!

A high elasticity swimming shirt or suit provides 50+ UV protection and helps avoid getting stung by a jellyfish. Different manufacturers have different types of rash guards: short and long-sleeve shirts, pants, and full suits. There are specific stinger suits, too, so it shouldn’t be a problem to find one that fits your liking.

Never touch the corals/marine life

Last but not least, the most important snorkeling safety rule is to respect the underwater world! Do not touch corals or chase sea creatures! Not only because touching them is not nice, but also because some species, such as fire coral, pufferfish, lionfish, scorpion fish, some sea star species, jellyfish etc…, are toxic and can sting.

Skin contact with poisonous species can cause severe allergic reactions, which can even result in hospitalization. Keep a safe distance from marine life! If you must stand in the water, search for a sandy place or a big stone; never stand on corals!

If you like our snorkeling safety tips, share them with your friends! We wish you safe snorkeling holidays!

Inspired? Pin it!