Wets suits required?

[Lumiere]

Would love to hear your input on the topic as it relates to children (6-8 year olds). This would be for snorkeling, btw.

TIA!

L.

[KatieH]

In response to the poll: It depends on the time of year, and on your child's tolerances. My son is thin and gets cold easily . In July it's not necessary, but he may still wear one if we're in the water for an extended period of time. In March, we won't go without one. This year he wanted a full length wet suit and it came in handy during our day sail/snorkeling trip.

[traveler22]

My boys, now 8yrs old, always wear a rash guard, it's more for sun protection than warmth. I don't think a wet suit is needed but if your kids get cold easy or you are from a warmer climate it may help them enjoy it more. We live in New Jersey and the ocean water temp. runs from the high 60's to the mid 70's so the water in St. John always seems warm especially in the summer months.

[RickG]

From January through April the water is noticeably cooler. We like the warmer months and love the water temperature in November.

Cheers, RickG

[chicagoans]

We were there in late Dec./ early Jan. and the water felt fine to us without wet suits. Our kids (9 and 11) wore rashguards, which were great. I think rashguards are more useful than wetsuits because my kids would wear the rashguards all day to play on the beach, whether in the water or not.

[Lumiere]

Thanks all! Hmmm, well they swim in South Padre Island in November, but it does get pretty chilly after a while (it is actually chilly from the start, but they do well for a while). I am thinking that taking at least a rash guard will be beneficial.