| Snorkeling can be one of the most pleasurable | | | | have additional reserve of energy to get back |
| and safest ways to enjoy the sea. Although your | | | | safely. Should you ever find yourself in a situation |
| supply of air is constant and you can keep a look | | | | where you are exhausted or must return through |
| out on your surroundings with proper a proper | | | | strong currents worn out, move onto your back |
| fitter mask, many things can go wrong however | | | | and tread water for a few minutes. In addition |
| these can easily be avoided by exercising | | | | you can prepare yourself for such situations by |
| snorkeling safety. At the end of the day, it boils | | | | gearing yourself up through the appropriate |
| down to common sense. | | | | snorkeling equipment. Consider snorkeling with a |
| Several accidents often occur due to a lack of | | | | inflatable device such as a snorkeling vest. This will |
| understanding of the environment that the | | | | make your snorkeling excursions more enjoyable |
| snorkeler or diver may find him/herself in. it is | | | | as you will be more able to focus on your |
| essential that you understand the area that you | | | | surroundings. |
| are snorkeling in and if there are any areas which | | | | Should you frequently dive below the surface, |
| could be potentially dangerous for you to snorkel | | | | consider leaving several intervals before each dive |
| in. Avoid areas which have pounding surf and | | | | or make several shorter dives instead of a long |
| rocky shores. Both ingredients can cause serious | | | | dive. Inflatable devices can help in this case to |
| injuries to your body. Get to know the tides and | | | | rest and regain your necessary energy between |
| underwater currents in the areas you will be | | | | each dive. |
| snorkeling. By getting to know your environment | | | | Cramps are commonly experiences by snorkelers |
| you will be prepared for possible dangers. | | | | during their excursions. Should you experience |
| Avoid any sort of contact with unfamiliar aquatic | | | | these effects it is important that you position |
| plants and animals. Several sea creatures have | | | | yourself with your head above water and stretch |
| got defense mechanisms which can be extremely | | | | your foot of the affecting area and with both |
| painful. Protect yourself by maintaining a safe | | | | arms reach for the tip of your foot or fins and |
| distance from sea creatures. | | | | gently pull towards you. This should relieve you |
| Lack of swimming skills also plays a major role. | | | | from the cramp affecting your foot |
| One of the most important aspects addressing | | | | Snorkeling for extensive long periods in cold |
| snorkeling safety, is that you avoid snorkeling on | | | | waters could lead to hypothermia. Consider |
| your own, whatever your experience. The last | | | | wearing protective equipment such as a wetsuit |
| thing that you want to be is on your own if an | | | | to protect you. Besides, a wetsuit is also great to |
| accident where to fall on you. | | | | protect you from rashes,scrapes and jellyfish |
| Another snorkeling safety issue, is that you | | | | stings. |
| understand your limits. How long can you hold | | | | One final word is that snorkeling safety should be |
| your breath underwater? How far out can you | | | | considered as your number one priority before |
| go? If there is an underwater cave or tunnel are | | | | each and every snorkeling event. Remember you |
| you willing to risk holding your breath until you | | | | are a guest in a natural environment which is full |
| surface. These several factors should be taken | | | | of exotic creatures, so have respect for the |
| into consideration. However I have one rule. If | | | | ocean and it will reward you tenfold. |
| you are ever in doubt then do not do it. It is just | | | | This article is an excerpt from a series of |
| not worth the risk. | | | | informative mini guides appearing on under the |
| Some times even a strong swimmer can get | | | | snorkeling safety section of the site at |
| exhausted. t is important for the snorkeler to | | | | Copyright (c) 2010 All rights reserved. |