Safety Tips For Snorkeling
Safety Tips For Snorkeling
Safety Tips For Snorkeling
ASSIGNMENT
IN
P.E. and HEALTH 2
Submitted by:
Danrel S. Inumerables
SHS, Gr. 12 – St. Catherine (ABM)
Submitted to:
One benefit of snorkeling is that little equipment is necessary for a safe dive. Snorkeling equipment is
easy to find and requires little skill to use properly. Even first-time snorkelers can quickly put on the
equipment and prepare for a dive.
Equipment Notes
There is always a risk when snorkeling out in open ocean waters and having a buddy is important. For
example, if someone becomes overly fatigued, has an equipment mishap, or experiences an injury in the
water, a buddy can assist the snorkeler in getting back to the boat or shore. Buddies should snorkel close
together and use the "thumbs-up" signal about every five minutes to alert each other that everything is
fine.
Rough water is not ideal for snorkeling and it presents significant danger. Snorkelers should be aware of
the tides because outgoing tides can trap people and other tides can throw the bodies several feet.
Wind and rain make open water very choppy and can increase the size and strength of the waves, which
heightens the risk of drowning and other injuries. Local weather reports have the information necessary
to determine the conditions on the water. Boats usually have a radio on board that allows for regular
checks on the weather and water conditions.
Snorkeling requires constant kicking of the feet and legs which can quickly lead to exhaustion.
A flotation device, such as a basic life jacket, a snorkeling vest, or a waist belt can help increase how long
someone can stay in the water. These devices help reduce the risk of fatigue by keeping the body afloat
on the surface of the water, which minimizes the need to kick the feet and legs. Another way to help
stave off exhaustion is to stay warm, and a wetsuit is beneficial for this. This is especially important in
cold water where the body temperature starts to lower more quickly than in warmer water.
For the most part, marine life does not approach humans and they do not care to bother people, but it is
important that people respect that this is their space. For example, getting too close to or directly
touching a jellyfish may result in a sting. While rarely a medical emergency, the stings are usually quite
painful. Some exceptions include a few species of jellyfish in the Indian Ocean, Australia, the central
Pacific Ocean, and the Philippines, and stings from these species can be very dangerous.
Taking breaks during a snorkeling trip is important and it is ideal to take a break about every 10 to 15
minutes. A break of about five minutes helps restore some energy and prevents fatigue in the water. It is
important to be able to access the shore or boat easily because fatigue sets in quickly and in some cases,
water conditions can change rapidly, making it unsafe to continue snorkeling. Knowing which direction
and how far away the boat or shore is ensures a quick exit from the water if necessary.