Snorkeling is an underwater sport. Swimmers should be extra cautious and follow safety guidelines while snorkeling. Lifeguards and trainers teach these safety tips. If you want to make your trip enjoyable and memorable, then follow the safety tips and best practices.
Best Safety Guidelines
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Don’t Push yourself
It is risky to stay underwater for a long time. Even if you’re using a snorkeling tube, you should know your limits for staying underwater. Don’t overexert or push yourself. Underwater is a different world, and if you’re not a good swimmer, then you should keep it short and simple. You can use floating devices and fins or try to stay near your trainer.
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Check Weather Conditions
However, this is your trainer’s duty to inform you in case of any unpredictable weather conditions. However, you can also confirm from lifeguards sitting at the beach. Calm water and clear sky are the ideal time for snorkeling St. Lucia. Avoid snorkeling if the wind is strong or you can see high tides or water hitting the rocks roughly.
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Right Location
Choosing the right location is important to experience the best snorkeling in St. Lucia. Snorkeling is more exciting in serene places. Often, traffic scares marine life. Thus, when you dive in, you won’t see a single aquatic species underwater. Hence, choose a quiet place to enjoy snorkeling. However, when choosing a place, always consider safety. You don’t want a place that is far away from the population. Stay within eye range of lifeguards and your trainer.
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Gear and Equipment
Don’t try to save a few pennies by renting or purchasing cheap snorkeling gear. You’re going underwater; thus, you need the best quality products for a safe dive. Get a list of all gears required during snorkeling. This will be provided to you by the training institute or your trainer. Often, the trainer has a set of gear and equipment that can be rented. You can also purchase new gear if you feel you will use it again in future.
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Respect your Surrounding
If you want to experience the best snorkeling in St. Lucia, you should also respect the diverse marine life. Don’t scare them by touching or disturbing them. Watch them from afar and enjoy their movements. If you disturb their daily life, it can cause them stress. Stressed animals may harm you by stinging poison. Avoid breaking coral reefs. They are delicate and can break easily. Avoid keeping your feet on them or applying pressure.
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Emergency
Familiarize yourself with all emergency hand signals. It is necessary when going underwater. You can’t talk, you can’t shout, so it is only hand signals that help you there. Also, know how to perform CPR; it might help others diving with you. Carry a whistle to signal during an emergency from afar. This can be necessary when you suffer from cramps and are unable to swim or your feet get entangled in one of the weeds underwater.
Conclusion
Water and underwater currents are unpredictable. Let’s not play with nature. Educate yourself properly to enjoy a memorable snorkeling trip. Keep your earth clean. Don’t litter on the beach or in the water.