Safety Tips For Snorkeling

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The passage discusses six safety tips for snorkeling including using the proper equipment, always having a buddy, checking the weather conditions, managing energy levels, avoiding touching marine life, and staying close to shore or a boat.

The necessary equipment for safe snorkeling includes a dive mask, snorkel, swimming fins, and optionally a wetsuit or flotation device depending on water temperature and a person's swimming ability.

Having a buddy when snorkeling is important in case one person becomes fatigued, has an equipment issue, or experiences an injury in the water. Buddies can help each other get back safely.

COLEGIO DE SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA

DE LA SALLE SUPERVISED SCHOOL


Ramon M. Durano Foundation Compound
Guinsay, Danao City
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
S.Y. 2017 – 2018

ASSIGNMENT
IN
P.E. and HEALTH 2

Submitted by:

Danrel S. Inumerables
SHS, Gr. 12 – St. Catherine (ABM)
Submitted to:

Ms. Jin Justine Balaba


Subject Teacher

6 Safety Tips for Snorkeling


Snorkeling is an exciting sport that allows people to see colorful sea creatures and become one
with the ocean. It is relatively easy and those who are good swimmers generally excel at
snorkeling. Unlike Scuba diving, snorkelers remain close to the surface of the water and do not
have to deal with complicated equipment. However, there are some general rules that help
keep all snorkelers safe in the water. Knowing these before heading into the water ensures that
snorkeling is a safe and fun experience.

1. Use the Right Equipment

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

Dive mask Allows snorkelers to open eyes under water

Prevents water from getting into the eyes

Snorkel Is a breathing tube

Allows divers to breathe under water

Swimming fins Lets snorkelers navigate the water

Makes movement in the water easier and less taxing

Wetsuit Keeps snorkelers warm in cold water

Not necessary in warm water

Flotation device Acts as a safety device

Ideal for poor swimmers and beginning snorkelers

2. Always Have a Buddy

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.

3. Study the Weather Conditions

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.

4. Make Sure to Retain Energy

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.

5. Never Touch Marine Life

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.

6. Stay Close to the Shore or Boat

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.

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