How to Stay off the Rocks While Snorkeling

Rocks are home to wildlife, have enticing canyons and caves, and help you find your bearings when snorkeling. However, rocks are also the source of many snorkeling injuries.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Snorkeling Guidebooks
• 1 Pair Gardening Gloves
• First Aid Kits
• 1 Dive Masks
• 1 Diving Dive Weight Belts
• 1 Diving Wet Suits
• 1 Pair Diving Booties
• 1 Pair Diving Gloves
• 1 Pair Reef Booties
• 1 Pair Swimming Fins
• 1 Snorkels

1. Enter the water in an area clear of the shoreline, rock outcroppings and submerged rocks.

2. Take several minutes to study the current, surge and waves in the area before snorkeling there.

3. Use your fins to hold your intended direction. Anticipate swells and kick away from rocks that are within a few yards of you.

4. Tread water with your arms, sculling in a sideways motion to direct your upper body away from rocks.

5. Fend off rocks while floating on your back by using the soles of your fins and booties.

6. Hold your arms out to the sides ready to push away from rocks if waves should knock you toward them.

7. Keep the rocks in your field of vision constantly, so that you can keep track of your position and level of danger.

8. Lie on your back and kick with large, powerful leg movements until you are well away from the rocks.

Tips & Warnings

• Stick close to your buddy so you can help each other if you get into trouble near rocks.
• Anchor your boat well out of the surf zone and check its location frequently to make sure the anchor is holding.
• Wear wet-suit or gardening gloves and fins or booties that protect your feet.
• Wear a wet suit to protect your skin from rock and coral cuts.
• Injuries sustained from animals living on rocks ' as well as live coral ' can contain harmful bacteria that can lead to infection. Wash and dress wounds thoroughly as soon as possible.
• Many injuries and deaths occur when people standing on rocks are knocked down or swept off by rogue waves.
• 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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