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Snorkeling
Articles The Dangers of Snorkeling
Planning a vacation in the Caribbean or another beautiful,
tropical location? Along with flight plans, hotels, and work
arrangements it will be beneficial to plan for recreation,
particularly snorkeling. Although you can arrive and receive
some information and equipment that will allow you to experience
the captivating undersea adventure, your experience will be
much more positive and fulfilling if you prepare ahead of
time. Problems vacationers have experienced range from leaking
masks to unnecessary injuries. Many of the dangers of snorkeling
manifest themselves because the participants have a lack or
preparation or training and can be avoided.
Most areas have resources to learn snorkeling. Lessons will
prepare you to be comfortable with using equipment and also
allow you practice with techniques of keeping water out of
your snorkel and how to dive underwater. Keeping water out
of your snorkel is very important. Breathing in water can
cause choking and other problems. Drowning is a danger when
snorkeling. Taking time to learn snorkeling before you go
on vacation will also allow you to test equipment. There are
snorkels with "dry tops" on them which is a one way valve
that will close off the top of the snorkel when you go underwater
or have a wave splash over you. It is also important to be
comfortable with equipment so when you enter the open waters
if get separated from your group you do not panic.
When you find something you like it is nice to buy your own
and bring it with you. One thing people don't like is the
thought of a hundred people using the mask and snorkel before
them. Another concern with a resorts equipment is that equipment
fits different on everyone and the mask they provide may not
be comfortable, fit your face well and therefore leak, or
be the style you like for seeing the underwater life.
Follow directions on where to snorkel and stay in bounds.
The equipment that you wear if very important, particularly
your life preserver. Unlike a pool, an ocean has currants.
Even if it looks calm, there can be dangers. If something
should happen you will be able to stay afloat while you wait
for rescue. Having a guide can be helpful especially if it
is your first time. Never go alone. If you do not have a guide
practice have along at least one other individual. The snorkeling
area should be marked off with buoys. Some snorkeling areas
may not be marked off. If this is the case you should use
a dive flag and also extreme caution. If boats can come into
the open water they propose a danger as they can hit divers
and cause injuries.
While snorkeling in shallow waters the sun is constantly
beating down on you and will cause sunburn. Apply your sunscreen
often. Waterproof sunscreen can still come off in the water
over time. Reapply every one to two hours for maximum protection.
Severe burns can occur if this precaution is not taken. Along
with the physical ramifications, the enjoyment of your vacation
will be cut short.
There are animals that propose some threats, although not
severe. Coral is beautiful and prevalent in the ocean, but
also dangerous. Coral is sharp and can cause cuts and abrasions
on the skin. These cuts are slow to heal. Also if coral is
damaged it takes a long time to regrow and snorkelers should
be cautious to avoid injuring this animal. Another animal
that can cause injury are sea urchines. They have spikes that
can break off and get trapped in your skin if you brush against
them. These pieces, if trapped in your skin can be painful
and can get infected. Be aware of your surroundings and where
you are going. You want to avoid touching dangerous animals
and colliding with other participants.
Snorkeling can be enjoyed by the entire family. Preparing
before hand can make it a positive experience for everyone
and very safe. Being aware of the potential dangers and learning
how to prevent them is the key to a successful trip.
About the Author
Rob Daniels is an avid snorkeler and outdoor enthusiasts
more at Snorkeling Shop http://snorkeling-shop.com
and Kayak Escape http://www.kayak-escape.com
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