USVI-On-Line

My wife has the same fear of deep water. She has always used a snorkel vest since our first trip to Bermuda many years ago now. That vest has taken her off shore in Bermuda, the Florida Keys, and to just about every location on St. John. I would recommend the vest or belt. In my opinion a noddle is too risky.

Put all but the kitchen sink on this person to keep them safe. I was a life guard in another life (when I was younger) - panic is not a pretty thing! SmilesfromMN wrote a post a while back about a sea window raft for kids. There is also a smaller version, just for the face, that might work for an adult if they still have problems with the mask by the time you leave. Not a perfect sollution but better than sitting on the beach.

http://www.isnorkel.com/product-exec/ca ... ing-window

Whatever type of floatation device she uses, make sure it is attached ie: belt or vest. If you use a noodle and it gets away you end up with a panicked swimmer in need of help. There is nothing more dangerous than the rescue of a panicked swimmer. Sometimes results in two victims.

Ms.Montana wrote:Any other suggestions to help her along? Thanks!

Hopefully some practice and a floatation device of some sort will allow her enough comfort to enjoy a little snorkeling. Some non-swimmers, though, simply can't get over the "putting their face in the water and breathing through a tube" thing. I had this problem with my mother. No matter how well she did in shallow water, once we got her out, she spazzed...but she so desperately wanted to see some things.

Worst case scenario - if she just can't do it and you have a willing party - I put my mom on a float with a mask. I pulled her and when I got her over some "stuff," I'd instruct her to stick her face in. It worked beautifully.

Well, it did until we heard that "hissssssss" sound.

I recommend using the non-inflatable, foam floats.

10 months is plenty of time to teach her how to FLOAT.
I may be overstating the obvious, but you must be able to float face up, and then face down. I have taught my 4 children at age 2, and my nieces who were afraid to swim,at 7 and 9. My mother will still not go in past her knees. Maybe it is the ankle weights I gave her for Xmas?

A waist belt, or arm floats, are good. I have had very good luck with neoprene tops, like a shorty wet suit, a properly fitted snorkle and mask, and a warm swimming pool. If you can float in a pool, you can float in the ocean.

Another vote for swim lessons...important to feel confident in the water.

Also, a wetsuit shortie provides some bouyancy and warmth.

Thanks to all of you for responding. I don't think a a noodle alone will be enough after hearing from all of you. I think I'll suggest a vest (and a noodle to start with and then help her practice with it in the pool this summer. Does anyone know of a good vest to purchase? I don't think she'll feel save with an inflatable. She'd be stressed out about it losing air. We live in Montana and there aren't any snorkel/scuba, shops/experts locally so I'll have to get it on-line. I just want to get her a really good vest that is comfortable and she will feel secure in. I think some vests are designed to keep you on your back so those won't work either. Thanks again for all your help - you guys are so good.

Are there places to rent snorkel vests on St. John? And does a snorkel vest differ from a life jacket? Last time we were there we went out with Capt Phil and he put me in (I assume) a life jacket. I am a poor swimmer and I was pretty afraid of being in water over my head, but that worked really well. I was bound and determined to learn how to snorkel-once I got over the "semi panic" of jumping into deep water and realizing I wasn't going to drown, I had a blast.

I've snorkeled without a vest, an inflatable snorkel vest, and what I call a ski-vest. I finally bought an inflatable vest, it isn't near as comfortable or 'secure' feeling as a ski-vest.

My hubby and kids swim like fish, but when I'm out with them in 30 feet deep water, I want to feel safe, and I have to be honest, I can tend to feel a little panicky that I can't touch bottom. I'm a decent swimmer, but I still recognize my limits.

THAT being said, I don't want to miss out on anything, and the best snorkels I've ever had in my life were with a ski-vest.

If she is truly a non-swimmer, and that you guys are going to practice this summer---get the ski vest. She'll have the time of her life! And all of you guys with her can relax, knowing she is safe.

Yes, I feel a little geeky, and not very

Whoops, didn't finish my post.

Yes I feel a little geeky, and not very with it, who cares? The sights to see are worth it!!!!!

I agree with making the person as comfortable as possible. Even though it's hard not to float, and the waters are clear someone panicking in the water is no way to go!
My money is on her enjoying herself, but always better to be safe than sorry.
Smiles-
MJ

Hello Ms. Montana. I am a non-swimmer big time, but have been able to snorkle in deep, deep water with the help of the ski belt. It is terrific and I feel perfectly safe using it in the water. I like it better than a vest which I find more cumbersome and doesn't allow me to put my face in the water and float face down as easily as the belt. I got mine years ago at Overton Sports. Here is a link to their site: http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/search.cgi

Hope you friend will give it a try.

If she is going to take swim lessons in a pool make sure she understands that floating in salt water is 100% easier than fresh water. I grew up swimming in the ocean and the first time I tried to swim in a pool at about age 10 I sank right to the bottom. I still 45 years later really hate swimming in pools but love the ocean. I also think the swim fins help me float so have her try them out in the pool also.

My 6' 4" buddy Big Red floats like a cork without a flotation aid, has a XXXL flotation vest, uses noodles and is still deathly afraid of the water due to childhood accident.

He learned to snorkel on the left-hand-side of Vie's beach. You can stand on sand and check out coral in waist deep water there.

Capt. John got him to get in the deep water at the Norman Island Caves on his last trip, after a half-dozen visits to St. John.

This is going to take a while. It's okay to stay on the beach. Someone has to defend lunch from the mongoose, dem.

Cheers, RickG