How to Determine if the Water's Safe for Snorkeling

The ocean can be placid or violent, depending on the mood of the earth and its aquatic inhabitants.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flare Guns
• Weather Radios
• Dive Masks
• Fins
• Life Jackets
• Snorkels

1. Check visibility first - poor visibility above water will put you in danger of losing your boat or the shoreline and can prevent other boats from seeing you. Poor water clarity will make it difficult to see your buddy, underwater rocks, seaweed or the giant squid following you.

2. Check wind, waves, and current next. Strong winds and large waves will decrease visibility, make swimming difficult, and could lead to exhaustion.

3. Set levels of acceptable conditions for your snorkel based upon your conservative estimation of your skill and experience. For instance: "I will not snorkel in or near the surf zone - or wherever there is swell or surge - because I become frightened and disoriented."

4. Verify that the water meets your set conditions.

5. Continue to update your water assessment on a second-by-second basis both prior to and during your snorkeling session.

Tips & Warnings

• Time in the ocean is the best water-safety teacher. Snorkeling is an activity that is best perfected through feeling and repetition.
• Ask a reputable local dive shop or snorkeling tour operator about the potential water hazards in the area you're considering. Experienced locals are often your most reliable source of information.
• Check wind and current by observing the surface of the water. If you are anchored, your boat will swing so that your bow points into the wind.
• Current shows best by the wake - or pull - it has on a stationary object such as a buoy or protruding rock.
• Maintain a safe distance from mammals such as seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales, and other animals such as eels, sharks and seabirds. Remember ' you are on their turf. Their defensiveness can result in aggressive action.
• Travel with an anaphylactic shock kit or an EpiPen (many first-aid kits contain them; you can also get one from most physicians, hospitals, or county health departments). If you're stung by a jellyfish, stingray or other poisonous animal, the kit will suppress even the most violent allergic reaction.
• Cold water is often overlooked as a safety hazard. Prolonged exposure without a proper wetsuit can result in hypothermia and possibly death.
• Avoid rocks and reef structures where there is a danger of unexpected waves or surge. Human skin does not take kindly to even a slight brush up against rocks or reef. These types of wounds are prone to infection, especially in tropical environments where bacteria thrive. Also, contact with coral isn't healthy for either you or the organisms.
• Snorkeling is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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