The Dangers of Snorkeling: Everything That May Go Wrong

Want to explore the underwater world in the most unique way? Try snorkeling. Don’t know what snorkeling is and how it works? Never mind, this blog post will make things clear for you. Also, reading this blog post in its entirety will give you a better understanding of the dangers of snorkeling. So, let’s get started…

Snorkeling: An Overview

To put it simply, snorkeling is a water sport that essentially allows the participant to discover underwater flora and fauna in a natural setting. And unlike scuba diving, snorkeling doesn't require complicated equipment and training. With basic snorkeling equipment such as a snorkel, mask, and diving fins, almost anyone can try snorkeling.

A snorkel is a curved plastic tube that you'll have to wear to breathe while keeping your face underwater during your snorkeling adventure. It is of three different types; wet, semi-dry, and dry. People who are just starting out with surfing should use a dry snorkel. Because this type of snorkel has a float valve, a splash guard, and a purge valve. Also, make sure that the mask you choose for your snorkeling adventure fits your face well.

Now that we know what snorkeling is and what equipment a person needs to start this water sport, let us discuss some of the potential hazards that snorkelers may face in their underwater adventures.

What Are The Dangers Of Snorkeling?

Although snorkeling is a safe activity, you must be vigilant to prevent any major danger from occurring. Below we have compiled a list of potential hazards a snorkeler should be aware of before entering the water.

Danger #1- Poor cardiovascular health

If you are suffering from cardiovascular disease, you should stay away from anything that puts a strain on your heart... including snorkeling. According to a study conducted by John M. Lippmann, et al., cardiovascular causes is one of the major contributor to snorkeling-related deaths in Australia. The study was conducted between 1994 to 2006. So, people with a history of cardiac disease should stay away from snorkeling and any such activity. People with asthma and other similar conditions should also stay away from snorkeling.

Danger #2- Drowning

The study we mentioned in the above para also suggests that drowning is another major contributor to snorkeling-related deaths. After all, snorkeling requires some basic swimming skills. So, before attempting snorkeling, let your guide know about your swimming ability. And, please be honest with your guide. If you are a poor swimmer, your guide can provide you with a suitable flotation device so that you can enjoy a safe snorkeling experience.

Danger #3- Harmful solar radiations

Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling requires participants to stay close to the surface of the water. Prolonged exposure to harmful solar radiation while snorkeling can prove to be dangerous. How dangerous it can be, you asked? At best, you may get sunburn, at worst, you could get skin cancer. That's how dangerous prolonged exposure to solar radiation can be. Therefore, you must take suitable preventive measures to protect yourself from the sun when snorkeling. You should cover your entire body with protective clothing and sunscreen lotion.

Danger #4- Dangerous marine life

Although the main reason people go snorkeling is to view the underworld flora and fauna, it does come with danger. Sea creatures may amaze you with their magnificent morphology, but they can also harm you if you are not very careful during your snorkeling adventure. The sea creatures you should be wary of while snorkeling are jellyfish, stingrays, sea urchins, barracudas, lionfish, triggerfish, and of course sharks. It is always advisable to learn the behavior of the above-mentioned marine species before going surfing.

Danger #5- Ocean current

Yes... Ocean currents are a major hazard for snorkelers. People have died due to these currents. So, before you go snorkeling you should learn as much as you can about these currents. Knowing how ocean currents work is vital to the survival of anyone who actively participates in surfing, snorkeling, and other similar activities.

Long Story Short…

Snorkeling is a fun surface water activity… A snorkel, mask, and fins; that's all a person needs in order to explore the amazing underwater flora and fauna. But like any other water sport, many things can go wrong while snorkeling. In this blog post, we have covered some of them. We hope this helps.