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What Trouble Can I Get Into Snorkeling?
What Trouble Can I Get Into Snorkeling?
We've only snorkeled twice in our lives, but we love it. We have not done anything difficult, but we have never felt any sense of danger while we were snorkeling. We never felt tired or struggling at all.Once, my snorkel tender came loose and I had a hard time putting it back together because I needed to use my hands and keep myself above water by kicking my fins. We 've stayed close to shore in calm water. We've gone around some points. We are fit, but we are not swimmers. We are naturally cautious. I was nervous snorkeling at Little Lameshure because it was completely deserted. I decided not to do Waterlemon because of northern swells and the "current". I think we have ability, but no experience; and experience counts. We don't know our limits. I would imagine there are a lot of tourists in this boat. So, how dangerous is snorkeling? In the time I've been on this forum, I haven't heard anything about bad outcomes; drowning being the big one. I'd love to try some difficult snorkels like Tektite or Yawzi point,etc.
The only problem I have run into was getting cramps in both feet. It basically renders you useless unless you have a vest on. I was lucky enough that my husband saw what was happening, because i started to panic. My vest also started riding up at the same time and I found my mouth under water.
The most important thing is to stick together.
Also, just stay off the coral.
The most important thing is to stick together.
Also, just stay off the coral.
"Paradise...it's a state of mine"
How dangerous is snorkeling? Drowning and death. It doesn't get much more dangerous than that. That being said, we love to snorkel. Hubby is a strong swimmer, I am not. He will venture out alone, I will not. We have done the easy snorkles and ventured on the Kiddle Bay, Haulover north, Great Lamsure. He would not say these are hard, I would. Always wear a vest. Even he does now. That takes the drowning and death part out of the equation.
Snorkling is normally very safe. 
That is especially true on STJ. I am not aware of anyone getting in serious trouble or drowning while snorkling who did not have some other problem at the same time.
There are, however, hazards to be aware of.
The first, IMHO, is exceeding one's limitations. If we get too far away or get into a current we cannot overcome, we could be in serious trouble. We should expect to need as much strenth/endurance/ability to get back to the beach as it took to get where we turn around. There is also the risk of getting into fire coral or sea urchins. I don't know anyone foolish enough to get into sea urchins while snorkling. 
The other thing to remember to do is to occasionally lift your head up and confirm your location. It is so easy to drift too far without realizing it. Divers are taught from Day 1 to always dive with a buddy. They do that for a reason. I try to do the same while snorkling too.
The one safety feature to remember is, if our equipment (mask, snorkle,fins) are still working, we can float face down, rest and resume our swim.
I became a much better snorkler after my dive instructors taught me how to move through the water using less energy and air. I was able to snorkle twice as long when I overcame poor body mechanics. I still have to think about it some while swimming, but it's getting to be second nature.
JIM
That is especially true on STJ. I am not aware of anyone getting in serious trouble or drowning while snorkling who did not have some other problem at the same time.There are, however, hazards to be aware of.
The first, IMHO, is exceeding one's limitations. If we get too far away or get into a current we cannot overcome, we could be in serious trouble. We should expect to need as much strenth/endurance/ability to get back to the beach as it took to get where we turn around. There is also the risk of getting into fire coral or sea urchins. I don't know anyone foolish enough to get into sea urchins while snorkling. The other thing to remember to do is to occasionally lift your head up and confirm your location. It is so easy to drift too far without realizing it. Divers are taught from Day 1 to always dive with a buddy. They do that for a reason. I try to do the same while snorkling too.The one safety feature to remember is, if our equipment (mask, snorkle,fins) are still working, we can float face down, rest and resume our swim.
I became a much better snorkler after my dive instructors taught me how to move through the water using less energy and air. I was able to snorkle twice as long when I overcame poor body mechanics. I still have to think about it some while swimming, but it's getting to be second nature. JIM
Man it's like some dream we live down here....
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mindehankins
- Posts: 3014
- Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:21 am
- Location: Western NY State
I don't have much experience on this one, as I'm new to snorkelling as well. I do remember a woman was found "drowned" off of Honeymoon last year, though. It wasn't ever said if she was found to have had a heart attack or something, that caused her death.
I go in alone, but only in shallow water close to shore. Otherwise, we snorkel together and watch out for each other.
Something I read here that I try to remember is that while snorkelling out aways, especially near a point, to watch the sea fans. If they're bending in the direction you're headed, then you're going to have a current to work against, on the way back.
I go in alone, but only in shallow water close to shore. Otherwise, we snorkel together and watch out for each other.
Something I read here that I try to remember is that while snorkelling out aways, especially near a point, to watch the sea fans. If they're bending in the direction you're headed, then you're going to have a current to work against, on the way back.
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Tracy in WI
- Posts: 1624
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 8:39 am
- Location: Wisconsin
I was actually rescued by Captain Phil the Wayward Sailor one time when the current overtook me. We rented a dinghy and were out at one of the small islands. I was swimming as hard as I could, but was not moving in the right direction.
I consider myself a pretty good swimmer, but sometimes I still get a panicky feeling while snorkeling.
Now anytime that I am snorkeling out a bit from shore, I wear a life vest. I highly recommend it.
I consider myself a pretty good swimmer, but sometimes I still get a panicky feeling while snorkeling.
Now anytime that I am snorkeling out a bit from shore, I wear a life vest. I highly recommend it.
Yes, wearing a vest is a good idea if you are not a confident swimmer.
What I worry about most while snorkeling are currents. We swim out pretty far - we have encountered mild and strong currents around St. John. My husband and I may not be athlete-great but are good swimmers. We can handle mild currents but we struggled against a strong one last year at Waterlemon Cay. From outside, the water looked deceivingly placid and we could not tell the existence of a strong current beneath... until we got caught in it. It felt like I was trying to swim through a wall. I was exhausted and in pain but had to keep kicking my cramping feet to avoid being swept away. It was a tough swim but we made it back (for your information, we wear long-fins rather than short-fins, so we can generate more power swimming against currents). A couple of calming effects were on my mind while struggling in the water: the presence of my husband in the current with me; and the experience of being in a stronger/worse current (horrible!) in the past in the South Pacific. I was pretty scared at the cay but was still thinking rather positively. One's psychological state while struggling could make a difference in what or how they do in desperate situations. We've snorkeled around the cay a number of times and that was the only time we encountered a problematic current there.
Surfed-up or choppy waters can be seen from outside, but underwater currents are hard to detect. That being said, we've rarely gotten caught in a problematic current over our 8 visits to St. John - and we snorkel a lot.
The second thing that I, personally, worry about is my body heat. I tend to get cold quickly even in the warm Caribbean water. Although I wear a neoprene shirt (so I can snorkel longer), I'm very conscious of how my body feels temperature-wise. Since we swim pretty far out, where the water is generally colder, I have to gauge how far and long I can go, knowing I have to swim BACK to the shore. As you know, a body doesn't function well when it gets cold & stiff - and if I happen to get caught in a strong current while I'm stiff, I may not make it out.
Needless to say, avoiding venomous sea life or not being foolish with animals like sharks are essential while snorkeling.
If you feel skittish about venturing out in the water, expand your range gradually, perhaps over a number of visits to the island. Once you have some idea of what to expect at certain locations, you will feel more comfortable and maybe will be able to go a little further there next time.
Regarding knowing one's limits, I'm not really sure what my limits are. I find it kind of hard to figure out. However, I know my comfort zone (from the experience I've built over the years), which might expand in the future.
What I worry about most while snorkeling are currents. We swim out pretty far - we have encountered mild and strong currents around St. John. My husband and I may not be athlete-great but are good swimmers. We can handle mild currents but we struggled against a strong one last year at Waterlemon Cay. From outside, the water looked deceivingly placid and we could not tell the existence of a strong current beneath... until we got caught in it. It felt like I was trying to swim through a wall. I was exhausted and in pain but had to keep kicking my cramping feet to avoid being swept away. It was a tough swim but we made it back (for your information, we wear long-fins rather than short-fins, so we can generate more power swimming against currents). A couple of calming effects were on my mind while struggling in the water: the presence of my husband in the current with me; and the experience of being in a stronger/worse current (horrible!) in the past in the South Pacific. I was pretty scared at the cay but was still thinking rather positively. One's psychological state while struggling could make a difference in what or how they do in desperate situations. We've snorkeled around the cay a number of times and that was the only time we encountered a problematic current there.
Surfed-up or choppy waters can be seen from outside, but underwater currents are hard to detect. That being said, we've rarely gotten caught in a problematic current over our 8 visits to St. John - and we snorkel a lot.
The second thing that I, personally, worry about is my body heat. I tend to get cold quickly even in the warm Caribbean water. Although I wear a neoprene shirt (so I can snorkel longer), I'm very conscious of how my body feels temperature-wise. Since we swim pretty far out, where the water is generally colder, I have to gauge how far and long I can go, knowing I have to swim BACK to the shore. As you know, a body doesn't function well when it gets cold & stiff - and if I happen to get caught in a strong current while I'm stiff, I may not make it out.
Needless to say, avoiding venomous sea life or not being foolish with animals like sharks are essential while snorkeling.
If you feel skittish about venturing out in the water, expand your range gradually, perhaps over a number of visits to the island. Once you have some idea of what to expect at certain locations, you will feel more comfortable and maybe will be able to go a little further there next time.
Regarding knowing one's limits, I'm not really sure what my limits are. I find it kind of hard to figure out. However, I know my comfort zone (from the experience I've built over the years), which might expand in the future.
Ditto what everyone else has said, especially about currents and keeping tabs on your location. Maybe we could chime in on solutions to problems as well, so that if any of us get in trouble we've got some tricks in our bags to help us?
Me?
I swim with my hands folded on my back-side when it's calm. Mostly only take them off when I need fine steering. Saves energy.
If your mask and snorkel are working, don't take them off! They're your life line. You can mess with your fins, vest, a struggling partner while you're geared up, but if you take them off, you have to fight for yourself too, lose your focus and can panic. Learn how to clear your mask and snorkel without taking them off. Ask any diver you know, they'll help you.
My feet tend to cramp too. Options? Float upright (with mask and snorkle on please), pull tip of fin toward your knee to try and relieve the cramp. Float face down until cramp goes away. Worse case, and I've had to do this, swim with your fins on your hands.
Identify a current (hopefully) before you get caught up in it. Current is like a wind, think of it like looking out your window to see how windy it is. Are the soft corals moving like they're swaying in a gentle breeze? The current isn't too bad. Do they look like there's hurricane force winds, all bent over the same direction like a flag in the driving wind? There's some pretty serious current there, stay away. (I credit Captn. Phil for this tip)
Caught in a current, try not to obsess over trying to get where you wanted to go (unless that's critical). Focus on getting out of the current (by swimming perpendicular to it, not directly against if that's possible) and toward shore, wherever you may land.
Anyone else with tips?
Me?
I swim with my hands folded on my back-side when it's calm. Mostly only take them off when I need fine steering. Saves energy.
If your mask and snorkel are working, don't take them off! They're your life line. You can mess with your fins, vest, a struggling partner while you're geared up, but if you take them off, you have to fight for yourself too, lose your focus and can panic. Learn how to clear your mask and snorkel without taking them off. Ask any diver you know, they'll help you.
My feet tend to cramp too. Options? Float upright (with mask and snorkle on please), pull tip of fin toward your knee to try and relieve the cramp. Float face down until cramp goes away. Worse case, and I've had to do this, swim with your fins on your hands.
Identify a current (hopefully) before you get caught up in it. Current is like a wind, think of it like looking out your window to see how windy it is. Are the soft corals moving like they're swaying in a gentle breeze? The current isn't too bad. Do they look like there's hurricane force winds, all bent over the same direction like a flag in the driving wind? There's some pretty serious current there, stay away. (I credit Captn. Phil for this tip)
Caught in a current, try not to obsess over trying to get where you wanted to go (unless that's critical). Focus on getting out of the current (by swimming perpendicular to it, not directly against if that's possible) and toward shore, wherever you may land.
Anyone else with tips?
Jennifer
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toes in the sand
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:21 pm
Nice thread. Very good information.
So far I have seen mentioned;
Currents and surf
Hypothermia
Cramping muscles
Coral, urchins and creatures of the sea (add jellyfish)
I will add boats
As was mentioned earlier, regularly check your location by raising your head up and check some landmarks. And while you have your head up, do a 360 and check for traffic. Stay within protected areas where boat traffic is minimized and certainly where boats are required to slow. When a boat is seen that might come your way, keep your head out of water so as to be seen easier and to be able to keep an eye on their direction.
equinox, you mentioned that you ran into problems with your snorkel tender and had difficulty kicking to keep afloat while fixing it. Instead of treading water upright and having to kick to keep your head above water, next time try floating on your back and using your natural bouyancy in caribbean waters to keep your hands free and breathing easily. You will use much less energy that way.
So far I have seen mentioned;
Currents and surf
Hypothermia
Cramping muscles
Coral, urchins and creatures of the sea (add jellyfish)
I will add boats
As was mentioned earlier, regularly check your location by raising your head up and check some landmarks. And while you have your head up, do a 360 and check for traffic. Stay within protected areas where boat traffic is minimized and certainly where boats are required to slow. When a boat is seen that might come your way, keep your head out of water so as to be seen easier and to be able to keep an eye on their direction.
equinox, you mentioned that you ran into problems with your snorkel tender and had difficulty kicking to keep afloat while fixing it. Instead of treading water upright and having to kick to keep your head above water, next time try floating on your back and using your natural bouyancy in caribbean waters to keep your hands free and breathing easily. You will use much less energy that way.
"got a drink in my hand and my toes in the sand"
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Tracy in WI
- Posts: 1624
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 8:39 am
- Location: Wisconsin
Another tip to help someone struggling that I had to use at Waterlemon one time. I was snorkeling fine, but another woman needed help. She laid on her back with her fins at my shoulders and I kept swimming with my snorkel and mask on. I was able to push her while she floated this way until we could get closer to the boat we were on.
I was exhausted by the time we made it, but she was safe.
I was exhausted by the time we made it, but she was safe.
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toes in the sand
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:21 pm
Good that it worked for you Tracy. Another method of putting a person in tow with fins is for both people on their backs (remove snorkel) the "rescuer" gets behind the "victim" and holds on to the victims armpits or hands under the chin if necessary. Both can kick and the "rescuer" is in complete control if the victim should panic and struggle.
"got a drink in my hand and my toes in the sand"