Snorkeling is a wonderful way to see the world from underwater. The only problem with snorkeling is that it can be dangerous for someone who isn’t a strong swimmer or experienced in water safety.
It’s important to make sure you know what safe snorkeling entails before you go out and buy a mask and fins! This blog post will teach you how to have a great time snorkeling without any risk of drowning, so read on!
Yes, non-swimmers can snorkel as long as it is done smartly and with a plan and the right gear. Most non-swimmers should begin by learning in shallow water like a pool or bathtub where you can focus on instruction and learning without the stress.
Now that you are aware that you can snorkel and you can be safe you can now start the process of learning to breathe and relax when in deep waters.
The single hardest thing most non-swimmers will have is learning to be stress-free in the water and to just enjoy the snorkeling experience, marine life, and amazing views!
Breathe and Relax: You’ll Be Fine
Stress and panic are your worst enemies when you are trying to learn something new and you know you are exposed to something you are unfamiliar with at best and scared of at worst.
Yes, being in any body of water can be frightening, especially when you are a non-swimmer. However, try to relax; the more you panic, the greater your risk of getting into trouble, especially if you’re a non-swimmer with no snorkeling experience.
The fear of drowning is one of the most common reasons why people become alarmed. The notion of being in the water without knowing how to swim is what causes many individuals to panic. This is why, whether you’re a swimmer or not, bringing a floatation device with you when snorkeling is strongly advised. Wearing one may boost
Staying calm will help you conserve energy and breathe normally. You’ll also be able to think logically and rationally in order to properly evaluate a problem if you’re not in danger. Also, when you panic, you won’t be able to enjoy your snorkeling vacation.
Is Swimming Required for Snorkeling?
Many may perceive that you would obviously need to be a swimmer to go snorkeling because it happens in the water away from the hard ground, but this is a fallacy and not a reality.
But while it is possible for a non-swimmer to participate in a snorkeling trip you do need to plan out and get the right gear to ensure your safety, with a priority being placed on a snorkel vest or other floating assistance.
After this most of the work will be more on controlling the anxiety many may feel when they are in the water without the knowledge of how to swim.
Required Gear For Non-Swimmers
It’s always best to get your snorkeling gear ready ahead of time. Make sure they’re correct and fit you properly, especially your mask. If the mask is too big or loose for your face, water will typically get in.
If you have facial hair, beards, or a mustache, you may end up with water in your eyes and face. The first thing you’ll probably do when this happens is panic, which you already know isn’t helpful.
Invest in the best snorkeling gear available, especially comfortable and working flotation devices to maintain your own safety. Here’s a list of the items you’ll need for your snorkeling excursion.
Snorkel
This is the device that will help you breathe through your mouth. It would be good to practice your puffs and learn how to time them if you’ve never snorkeled before.
There are snorkels available that are either a full[face or the other which isn’t a full-face type. If you have one of these, be sure the snorkel is properly connected to the mask’s strap.
Long snorkel tubes are also a bad idea since they make it more difficult to breathe while snorkeling. You don’t need to always purchase your own snorkel; you may always utilize the ones supplied by tour companies.
Some people, on the other hand, are hesitant to share gear with others.
Mask
The mask can be connected to the snorkel, like a full-face snorkel mask, or it may be detachable. An eye cover is used to safeguard your eyesight while you swim while also protecting your nose from being left out in the seawater.
Some non-swimmers like the float valve mechanism on a dry snorkel. It has a solid seal, so even if they are completely submerged in water, they do not have to clear the tube because no water can pass through it.
There are a variety of masks on the market, but whatever kind you choose, be sure it is customized to your face. Check that water will not get in and that they are pleasant to wear.
It’s preferable to own your own snorkel mask than to rent one so that it fits properly.
Snorkel Vest
This is essential for first-time snorkelers and non-swimmers since it will assist you in remaining on the surface of the water. Even if you’re snorkeling in the middle of an ocean, this can give you peace of mind that you won’t drown.
Aside from a snorkel vest, there are various floatation aids available. Boogie boards, floatation belts, regular life jackets, and pool noodles are some examples of boating accessories.
A life jacket or snorkeling vest would be the optimal form of flotation for a non-swimmer because these are safer options.
Wearing flotation devices will keep the water just around your neck level and your body only exposed to its surface.
Fins
You may notice that not everyone uses fins while snorkeling. They’re not essential, but they’re nice to have because you might not know how to swim or want to go farther in the water.
Fins will let you swim faster and more easily. They can also assist you to save energy and increase buoyancy, as you are a non-swimmer.
You don’t need diving fins since they are generally longer. You may choose shorter fins to make movement easier for you.
Learning to Float Horizontally
Non-swimmers frequently try to get as much of their body out of the water as possible. This makes sense because they are afraid of drowning.
However, attempting to do so may only create more panic, rapid breathing, and wear you down quickly. Instead, float horizontally upright.
To do this, as you lower your body, aim to get in a horizontal position. With the aid of a life jacket, it’s really simple to achieve. Keep your chest slightly lower and your neck and chin just above water level.
This will assist you to stay more buoyant than if you try to pull yourself up while keeping your head above water
Learning to Submerge Your Face Under the Water
Many non-swimmers or new snorkelers have a dread of submerging themselves in water. However, the nicest thing about snorkeling is that you don’t need to dive or submerge your whole body in order to see the stunning marine life.
Simply submerge the front portion of your face, which is also covered with goggles or a mask, in the water. There’s no need to be scared, so there’s no need to rush.
This is also why you should practice floating horizontally; essentially, half of your body will be immersed in seawater.
You’ll also be wearing a snorkel vest or life jacket so that you won’t completely submerge when snorkeling.
Be Aware of your Surroundings
You may come into contact with a variety of sea creatures while snorkeling, and it might be difficult to resist the temptation. You could also attempt to catch a fish as they swim by. There’s also a good chance you’ll inadvertently touch, step, or walk on corals.
Please do your best to avoid touching them. Though it may seem like a little and inconsequential gesture, it may have a detrimental influence on their natural environment and habitat in the long run.
Other snorkelers, swimmers, and divers should also be kept in mind while snorkeling. You don’t want to run into them or accidentally kick them while you’re trying to stay afloat or walk on the water.
Snorkeling is a wonderful way to spend time with your friends or family. Occasionally, you may enjoy it so much that you won’t realize you’ve drifted too far from your boat and fellow snorkelers so always keep an eye out.
Practice Prior To Snorkeling
It’s also a good idea to practice with your equipment before heading out on a planned snorkeling excursion. To discover the best fit, put on your mask and snorkel.
You don’t want to make it too tight, as this might be uncomfortable for you to breathe. It’s also vital to practice breathing through the snorkel since it lets you exit your lungs without having to take a breath.
Don’t use too much force, or it may hurt your ribs. Keep practicing until you get the hang of it. You’ll be breathing through your mouth while underwater, which is something you don’t normally do, so keep at it until you get the hang of it.
You don’t have to be in the middle of the ocean to snorkel. It does not even have to be on the seas immediately. So, where else may you practice?
Where to Practice Snorkeling
Swimming Pool
A swimming pool can be a wonderful practice location for snorkeling if you live in an area without access to the sea. It’s a fantastic spot to mess around with your gear while also sharpening your floating abilities.
It’s important to wear your life jacket and fins while snorkeling, just in case. Even before your snorkeling adventures, you may be at ease with them thanks to these two pieces of equipment.
Shallow Beach
You can also practice in the ocean if there’s a beach nearby. However, be cautious about going into the deeper water first. Because you are a non-swimmer, it is critical to consider your safety before diving in.
It’s a good idea to go practice at the beach where lifeguards are available in the event of an emergency. Even if you’re only going into shallow water, don’t leave your life jacket off. It will make staying afloat and comfortable.
Find the Right Location
Most first-timers start their snorkeling experience on a boat trip. This is enjoyable since you’ll have a better opportunity to view lots of wonderful marine creatures in the ocean’s deeper area.
It can be hard for some people to go snorkeling. As long as they wear a life jacket it is not hard for beginner snorkelers and non-swimmers to be safe in the water.
You can do this or you may start on the beach if you are not comfortable jumping from a boat. Many non-swimmers and novices choose to begin on the beach since they are scared of boating.
Finally, they avoid the deep waters until they’re more comfortable in the shallow ones. There’s nothing wrong with it, and you should learn to snorkel at your own speed.
Learn About Rip Tides and Currents
Riptides are unpredictable, but they can happen at any time of day or night and in just a few moments. Riptides have the ability to kill even experienced swimmers if they aren’t vigilant.
When this happens, many non-swimmers and novices may become alarmed, but going back to the first advice, just keep your cool and don’t panic.
When you panic, your mind will be clouded with worry and confusion, making it difficult to think clearly.
As a result, you will try to swim back to the boat or the beach because you won’t be able to do so effectively against the current. So don’t squander your time and energy by doing so.
This is also the reason why we recommend wearing a flotation device. This will keep you afloat and on the water surface even if the current sweeps you further.
Additional Tips For Non-Swimmers
Here are a few tips to make sure you stay safe and even enjoy your snorkeling adventure!
Stay in Your Comfort Zone
Make sure you don’t go overboard when snorkeling so that it is both fun and safe. Your buddy will need to be patient while you are comfortable.
As you get more experience and become more expert, you’ll be able to delve further.
Wear Sunblock All Over
Before you go into the water, it’s critical to take care of your skin. Simply a few hours or minutes in the sun might harm your skin. Skin cancer is a serious issue, and prolonged sun exposure can induce wrinkles and other problems.
It’s also wise to wear a full skin suit or a rash vest to protect your skin against the sun’s damaging UV rays, as well as some warmth in the chilly water.
Don’t Snorkel Alone
Never go snorkeling alone because it is dangerous. You will need someone else, like a friend, to be with you and help you if something happens. Additionally, you should never bring children under 12 to go snorkeling.
Don’t Stand on the Coral
You definitely don’t want to touch the coral, both due to the environmental damage it could do but also the physical damage it can also do to you.
You can, however, relax without being directly in contact with the coral. Simply lay back and float to take a break.
Keep an Eye on Weather
You need to know the weather in your area, which includes ocean conditions. The ocean waves change all the time. They can be really strong or not so bad, you never know! You need to be prepared for what to expect and when you should expect it.
Bring a Long Sleeve Swim Suit or Rash Vest
If you’re snorkeling in the tropics, make sure to pack a long-sleeved swimsuit or a rash vest. A sunburn cover for your head and neck is also required. Even when it’s dry or warm outside, have something wet on you.
Relax, Lay Back and Enjoy Your Rest
If you’ve never learned this, swimming is a lot of work and consumes a lot of energy. Because they lack experience in swimming, most beginners become weary.
It is not like diving where tools like an underwater scooter may be utilized. Non-swimmers will find that snorkeling can be difficult since they have no previous knowledge provided typically from learning to swim.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When you are snorkeling, you need to watch out. The ocean is beautiful but there can be dangers. You should always know what is going on around you while snorkeling.
You should never go snorkeling beyond the safe area. If you do, it could be dangerous. Make sure you stay close to your friends and the boat at all times.
Before you go snorkeling, find a spot where there are pretty fish. Choose a calm spot and make it safe for beginners. If the water is clear, then you can see pretty much everything.
Avoid murky waters because you can’t see dangers coming. Talk to people who know about snorkeling. If you like to travel, bring your snorkeling gear with you wherever you go.
Final Thoughts on Snorkeling For Non-Swimmers
Snorkeling is an exhilarating experience that can be enjoyed by those who have never learned how to swim. However, it’s important for newbies to learn some safety tips before they set out on their first underwater adventure when they are non-swimmers.
In this blog post, we’ve highlighted the most crucial things you need to know about snorkeling as a non-swimmer and how to have an outstanding trip out in the water.
We hope our advice will help make your next snorkel outing safe and fun!