▷ Is snorkeling dangerous ?
Snorkeling is the act of swimming with your head in the water to observe underwater flora and fauna. To extend the observation periods, a snorkel is used. The snorkel is often paired with a snorkel mask, wetsuit, and other accessories like water shoes depending on water conditions and snorkeling goals. Although snorkeling is safer than scuba diving, there are still risks such as undercurrents, cramps, etc.
What is snorkeling ?
In more detail, snorkeling is an aquatic activity that allows a swimmer to look underwater while breathing through a tube that protrudes from the surface of the water. Much of the marine life and underwater beauty of the ocean can be seen by snorkelers floating near the surface. Unlike scuba diving, you don't need as much equipment as air cylinders or buoyancy control devices. You also don't have to worry about decompression sickness from deep diving with compressed air. By using a snorkel for breathing, a swimmer can become more streamlined and float easier while expending less energy.
Depending on where you go snorkeling, you can also effortlessly admire life underwater marine, such as coral, many varieties of fish, lobsters, sea turtles, etc. Resorts located along large bodies of water have marked areas for snorkelers to safely enjoy amazing underwater scenes. For example, around Hawaii, the Bahamas and other tropical regions you can find crystal clear water, a plethora of fish, sea turtles, kelp forests, amazing coral formations and many more. exciting discoveries.
Scuba divers often equip themselves with a snorkel in order to save energy and air cylinders when traveling to their dive site. This is especially useful when launching your dive from shore. Although snorkeling can be a lot of fun and excitement, there are some dangers and risks associated with snorkeling that should be kept in mind.
Dangers of Snorkeling
Going in a group is a safe way to enjoy snorkeling!
Is freediving dangerous? Snorkeling can be dangerous for the unprepared or for those with health problems. Sea currents, as well as underwater hazards, are a concern in some snorkeling areas. People with medical conditions such as heart or lung problems, seizures or panic attacks should consult their physician or healthcare professional before engaging in water activities. In the water, even professionals can fall victim to ailments such as cramps, exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, etc.
One of the best ways to educing the dangers of snorkeling is to go with others. The presence of at least one other person can make all the difference in an emergency. It is also essential to have the right equipment. Wetsuits come in a variety of styles and options for all climates. Wetsuits help retain body heat and can also provide buoyancy to help you float near the surface more easily.In addition to a wetsuit, you can also invest in quality gloves, boots and fins You can also choose water shoes to gain mobility and ease in the water . Some shorelines feature sharp rocks and corals that the snorkeler must cross before they can put on their flippers and start swimming. It is among other things for this reason that the choice of water shoes is often more judicious.
By clicking on the image below you will find a large number of Aquashoes water shoes, all suitable for snorkeling 👇🏻
Risks and dangers of snorkeling
There are underwater hazards that a snorkeler may encounter, such as coral, floating debris, cables, wires, nets, fishing lines, rocks , and even boats or buoys. Snorkelers can swim with a dive flag to warn others of their presence. You can also stay in designated snorkeling areas, if they exist. Bad weather and storms such as hurricanes, typhoons or cyclones can raise waves and currents and reduce underwater visibility. In such cases, it is best to avoid snorkeling until the situation is safer. Large or strong waves can throw water into the snorkel unless you invest in special snorkels that have valves to keep water out or to make it easier to expel.
The sun also poses a risk for snorkeling, especially for those who swim without sun protection, such as waterproof sunscreen, UV protective suits or a wetsuit. Overheating, heatstroke and dehydration are also possible. The reverse is true in colder climates, where the ocean will cause you to lose body heat quickly, unless you're wearing a wet or dry suit. To top off these risks, it is also possible to encounter dangerous marine animals while snorkeling. As a general rule, if you respect the underwater life and keep your distance, you will avoid many problems. Sharks, snakes, jellyfish, lionfish or scorpions, pufffish, cone snails, octopuses and many other creatures pose a danger to humans underwater if they engage in them .
How to Reduce Snorkeling Risks
Snorkeling can be dangerous if you don't take into account some basic safety measures and if you don't anticipate. Most snorkeling hazards can be avoided with practice, training and the right equipment. You can train in safer environments, such as a swimming pool or training center, under the guidance of a professional, in order to acquire the skills necessary to reduce the risks associated with this activity. Taking classes to practice these skills is also a great idea. Courses such as Rescue Diving Courses will also prepare you to help those in need.
People with certain health conditions should consult a physician before snorkeling. It is advisable to stretch before and after snorkeling and to stay hydrated. Also check the weather forecast. For all of these reasons and more, it's a good idea to plan your trip in advance, always go with someone, and let others know where you'll be and when they'll be expecting you.Before snorkeling, it is essential to inspect your equipment. It is better to find a problem on the shore rather than in the ocean. Finally, after snorkeling, take the time to clean your gear, such as removing corrosive ocean salt water. Once you have acquired this basic knowledge, you can start enjoying the joys of snorkeling!
