Not everyone who snorkels is an athlete or seasoned swimmer. There are many ways to get people started, however, a life vest will do the trick for most of us. We usually (simply) refer to all of them as life vests in most of our articles. Some people seem to float better than others, depending on their bodies. Some of his work has appeared in "Writers' Journal," "Outside Magazine" and various online publications. Why Is A Snorkel So Short? Having a life vest will increase your chances of survival significantly. Our top pick on Amazon: Rrtizan Unisex Adult Size Inflatable Snorkeling Vest. They are both designed to keep a human body on the surface, so to the uninitiated, they seem similar. How to Make First Time Experience Fun. You dont need to be a good swimmer, but some basic drown proof training is a really good idea. Whether you're planning on surfing the waves or swimming with sea turtles, our articles will take your water sports knowledge to the next level. All of this is easier to do if youre not afraid. She is passionate about outdoor activities and enjoys writing pieces that inspire others to get outside. Its important to not become tired when you explore the underwater world. Some vests, also known as snorkel vests, have the ability to keep your head above water whilst allowing a more horizontal position. From swimming to diving I've tried most things, including delivering yachts. Should I Buy or Rent Scuba Gear As a Beginner. They are designed to be unobtrusive so that someone not confident in the water can remain on the surface. These resemble the standard life jacket, with holes for your arms and a zip-up front, also consisting of a single inflatable bladder. Safety always comes first so lets start with that. An inflatable vest often does the trick. They arent designed as lifesavers, as your head isnt supported above water, but they will help a snorkeler who isnt confident with their swimming ability to snorkel. So lets say you get tired or you have a panic attack, the vest will make sure your mouth is able to breathe. However, most snorkelers will do just fine with just a snorkel vest or ski belt as their flotation device.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'openwaterhq_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',137,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; Above all, the life jackets goal is to keep your head above water. The snorkeling vest is an aid, not a lifesaver. In certain areas, local laws may require all snorkelers or those under a particular age to wear a snorkeling vest. While it is technically possible, we do not recommend it because a life vest is designed to keep your head out of the water so that you do not drown. In this article, we will discuss how a life vest should be used, what the differences are between a life vest and other snorkeling flotation devices such as a snorkel vest, and how you can properly use these tools to stay safe while snorkeling. I've learned from on-the-ground experience what diving gear works and what doesn't. Or the currents get too strong and they are swept away. Many companies that run snorkeling tours also expect all guests to wear one. Snorkeling is one of those activities that almost everyone wants to try. Think about safety first, even if it gets in the way of your enjoyment. Better to stay safe and have difficulty snorkeling than be at risk of drowning.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'openwaterhq_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',121,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-leader-1-0')}; While I wouldnt consider a wetsuit a buoyancy aid since its primary purpose is to keep you warm, wetsuits help keep you afloat simply because of the air bubbles found in the neoprene material. What Should I Eat Before (and During) Snorkeling? Snorkeling vests typically do not have any foam and provide varying buoyancy based on how much air they contain. Usually youll find a zipper on the front with a few adjustable straps on the side. Because of this intention for life jackets, most of them are designed to automatically try to orient the person wearing them in a near-vertical position or even slightly on their backs. First of all they are designed to keep your head above sea level. 4, 2013, p.13, nature.com. Therefore, yes, a vest can really be of big importance. If you are not confident in the water, this is a more common situation than most may think. Strong ones must be avoided anyways. You will also be provided personal flotation devices so you dont even need to buy your own. Even though it is possible to use a life Jacket for snorkeling, we have established that this device may not always be the best choice or the right choice for most people. If you decide to skip the snorkeling vest, its wise to head into the water with a friend or snorkel under supervision in case of an emergency. If you can swim a bit then an inflatable vest or foam floatation belt are good. Any non swimmer had good experience with the inflatable snorkeling vest? A life vest is not always necessary for snorkeling. Like pink or yellow for example. They are designed to have enough air so that you will float. Floating might be easy for some of us, but if its not then youll be spending a lot of energy to stay afloat. A life jacket is designed to remain highly buoyant, even in rough weather, and keep the head out of the water. Once we know the reasons, we can find alternative safety gear that is better suited to snorkeling than a life jacket. For snorkelers, this means either a life jacket or a snorkeling vest. Do You Need to Know How to Swim to Snorkel? Remember: Snorkeling is fun but also risky if you dont pay attention! They also often have a strap that connects between your legs to prevent the collar from riding up as you snorkel. Many people find this type of vest cooler than the bulkier ones. Like we mentioned earlier, we usually refer to all of these vests as life vests, even though there are different ones. The dangers must never be forgotten. The one we show you below is made by a brand called Faxpot. There are many different kinds of vests or jackets designed to keep you afloat. Just not sure what to buy. Comparison of Rowing & Kayaking for Exercise. Definitely worth a read. They are somewhere between 15 an 20 bucks. Swimming against them makes you tired quickly. Some snorkel vests include a thin neoprene layer on the back. Practising digtal drawing, and what bettter to practise Fishes and Posidonia Oceanica, then underwater sulphuric Found a squad of Caribbean reef squid (Sepioteuthis Hawaii Big Island gear and spot recommendations, Press J to jump to the feed. As a result, they are not as well-suited for snorkeling as designated vests. Something they can wear around their neck and thats easy for transportation. Even though you could in fact buy a black one, there are some bright neon options for you as well. Should Kids Wear a Life Jacket when Snorkeling? This will help people who do not feel comfortable in the water to have more confidence while snorkeling as it will assist them to stay afloat. Overall, snorkel vests are significantly more comfortable for snorkeling than life jackets. Many of the sizes are based on weight since this measurement determines how much buoyancy is required to keep you afloat. (Snorkel Size Explained). The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. You should also check out our list of snorkeling equipment to help you find more products that can help you with snorkeling. They have enough buoyancy within to keep a non-swimmer on the surface. They may also dip their snorkel too low and accidentally gulp a mouthful of water. Your email address will not be published. There are better safety devices for snorkeling, such as a snorkel vest. Snorkeling is a rewarding but potentially dangerous activity in which drowning is an inherent risk. Whether youre an experienced snorkeler or new to this exciting activity, wearing the right flotation device can make a snorkeling outing safer, more relaxing, and more comfortable. Even competent swimmers can tire in the water and should consider wearing a flotation device or swimming aid. No fancy strokes, just breathe and kick. If you feel unsure of yourself in the water for snorkeling, then a snorkel vest will be a good option that will assist you to stay afloat and enjoy the snorkeling without worrying about being in the water! Life jackets are more buoyant, designed to lift a swimmer's face and head out of the water to avoid drowning, often making snorkeling more difficult. Yes i am comfortable in water, went snorkeling in mexico but i remember the tour company gave us life vest. Snorkeling vests are not actually made to act as life preservers in rescue situations and you should not rely on them for flotation, but rather as a swimming aid to give you rest as you tire from activity. A snorkel vest is intended to make snorkeling easier; it is not designed to prevent drowning. Do you have an opportunity to take a few swim lessons and/or time in a pool before your trip? Types II and III PFDs have less buoyancy than Type I and mostly used for swimming near shore. A better snorkeling assistance device would be a snorkeling vest. You may see some snorkeling vests made of foam, but most will be inflatable. If interested, consider to also read ourtips on how to avoid a sunburn. This is where a snorkel vest comes in. Being safety conscious should be combined with using the right safety gear for the activity rather than use a device that was intended for another purpose. Snorkel Bob provides a good list of snorkel safety tips which you can findhere. If you are looking for help concerning buoyancy with your snorkeling then a snorkeling vest is ideal. Rrtizan Unisex Adult Size Inflatable Snorkeling Vest, Scubapro Cruiser Snorkel Vest for Men and Women. Jackets are better for non-swimmers since they offer additional support and comfort. Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Some people choose to wear a life vest while snorkeling whilst others prefer not to. That is why we recommend you wear a flotation device. We explain more about how we started with our daughter and provide a good bunch of tips about vests and other gear. Anywhere where holidaymakers or adventurers congregate near the water there will be a snorkeling tour nearby. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. All you really need to know is how to float, breathe through the snorkel, and kick. If you wear a life jacket, you will be constantly fighting against it while snorkeling. The normal snorkeling position is face-down in the water, which is the typical drowning position that a life jacket is attempting to prevent. Overall, snorkel vests are far more comfortable for snorkeling than life jackets. Amputee Ascents, day 9 climbing, 5.9 route, end of first Scooter repacks are safe or not? Snorkeling jackets offer more coverage and UV protection, and some even feature a neoprene layer to add warmth when snorkeling in colder waters. If you have been snorkeling before, dont have any health issues, and are a good swimmer, you may wish to explore the underwater world without feeling hindered by a flotation device.