Unfortunately, not everyone can swim. This is a problem for snorkelers who don’t know how to swim because it’s difficult to stay afloat while breathing through the snorkel at the same time. Fear not! There are several tactics that you can employ in order to have an enjoyable experience without knowing how to swim. In this post, we will discuss 8 of our favorite tips for snorkeling without knowing how to swim!
Wear sunscreen to protect your skin
You will be in a lot of sunshine, so make sure to put on sunscreen before you snorkel! The ocean is full of saltwater which can dry out your skin. Make sure to apply some waterproof sunscreen before heading into the water.
Tip: Make sure to apply sunscreen generously every two hours.
Wear a snorkel vest
If you are a beginner snorkeler, it is recommended that you wear a snorkel vest or a life vest. This will keep your head and body afloat even if you take on too much water through the mouthpiece.
A snorkel vest is a highly recommended piece of snorkeling gear for people who are not good swimmers but want to try snorkeling. They come with a strap that goes around your neck, and the vest provides buoyancy in the water as well as acting like a life jacket if you unexpectedly get into trouble.
The downside is that some models can be expensive, so it’s best to do thorough research before purchasing one.
A cheaper alternative would be getting a snorkel belt which will provide less protection from currents than an actual snorkel vest, but could still help keep someone afloat during their first time out on the water with limited swimming skills.
You can also use a life vest to snorkel without knowing how to swim. These are usually more expensive & less comfortable, but will be able to keep you afloat in deep waters and provide a better sense of security than other items that you can use for this purpose.
Understand your snorkel
There are different types of snorkels. If you are snorkeling on the water surface, a tube-like snorkel would be appropriate. However, if you want to swim down into the water or up for air from below the surface, then a cone-shaped snorkel is needed.
A basic understanding of how your snorkel works will make it easier to adjust when necessary without panic and frustration.
Then there’s full face snorkel mask. These are perfect for snorkeling beginners because the mask covers your face and forms a seal that prevents water from entering.
There are two main drawbacks to full-face snorkels: they’re costly so not as widely available; also, there’s a risk of CO2 poisoning if not operate correctly. As everything in life, there’s always pros & cons, it’s your job to learn how to correctly operate an equipment.
Practice with your snorkel
Practice breathing through the snorkel before you go underwater to get a feel for how it feels. Try blowing through the snorkel while completely submerged underwater to see if you can clear your nose and throat of water.
Secure all straps around your head tightly before submerging in order to avoid any loose ends that could be pulled on or loosened by waves, sharks (kidding!), or curious tropical fish.
Find a spot with calm water, not too deep or too shallow
Even you’re a beginner or experienced with snorkeling, it’s always advised to find a calm spot with clear water and no waves. Waves will interfere with your snorkeling experience and make it difficult & dangerous.
If you’re new to snorkeling, it’s best to try yourself at a shallow spot, then gradually go deeper. The shallow spots also make it easy to see the bottom of the water, which will help you get a feeling for where and how deep your snorkel is when diving in with it.
Always use your common sense.
Don’t grab to anything strange
The ocean has a lot of strange & surprise for you at your first snorkeling. You might be surprised with the large rock your hand touched. Creatures you see around & more importantly, the waves that come out of nowhere!
To avoid this situation; stay close to someone who knows how to swim or snorkel as they’ll lead you through it while also being cautious of things lurking in the water.
Always snorkel with friends
If you plan to go snorkel without knowing how to swim, it’s always the best idea to snorkel with your friends. In case of you needing help, they will be there to help you. Should something bad happen and your friends cannot make it to the rescue in time, always know that snorkeling with a snorkel vest or life vest is possible as well.
Use your arms to paddle
This is probably the most important tip for snorkeling without knowing how to swim. Once you have all your gear on and are in water over your head, try using your arms as much as possible to paddle around. You won’t be able to go very quickly this way but it will help you get from point A to B a lot faster than if you just let yourself sink down below the surface of the water.
Final thoughts
Snorkeling is a relaxing & fun activity that almost everyone can do. But remember, there’s always risk involved in any activity. You should always prepare yourself both mentally & physically. And remember, use your common sense.