Kid's Snorkling

[sshuttle]

My four year old son is a great swimmer and we have started practicing snorkling in the pool for the cruise. Does anyone know if they require children his age to wear a life vest while snorkling on Castaway Cay? If so, I would prefer to get him one on my own rather then utilize one of theirs. Thanks! Only 7 weeks to go

:pinkbounc

[pal2pluto]

At Castaway Cay, everyone snorkeling MUST wear a life vest. If you don't have one, they will let you borrow one free. They even have kid sized ones.

[sshuttle]

Are they real bulky or do they let you swim pretty freely? Are there certain areas that are just for snorkling with lifeguards that make sure you're wearing them? I'm not a rule breaker, I'm just trying to assess the situation.

[twindisney]

I have twin 6 yr old boys and we are on the 4/6 Magic (eastern). We already have the regular snorkel gear and decided to buy snorkel vests. We figured we would use them on Castaway, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. We ordered them online(DISCOUNT DIVERS.COM) FOR $29.99. They also are sold at Sports Authority for $39.99.
The vests are not bulky. They are not meant as a lifesaver. They are just meant to help you keep afloat. You will be able to swim pretty freely. It comes in handy when you are out in the deep and get a little tired.
Hope this helps.

[sshuttle]

Thanks everyone! I just saw some pictures from someone's trip report and saw the vests they let you borrow. They look like they should work great. Thanks again!!!:)

[kshabare]

I had never snorkeled before and was taught by the instructor on our excursion to only inflate the vest a little bit. It is meant to float you and if it's too inflated you won't be able to snorkel too well.

FYI, DS7 broke out on CC after wearing the vest a while. If DS is not snorkeling, take it off so his skin can dry. We're not sure if it was the chaffing from the vest or the supposed 'sea lice'. Had to run him under the showers because the rash was so nasty.

Kim ºOº