do you have to know how to swim to snorkle?

[Whosemom]

huh, do ya?

 

[PoohJen]

Only if you want to come back from the experience.

ok, ok, for a more helpful answer: if it is a small child, the accompanying adult should be a good swimmer, to be able to help the child float. If the snorkeler is a bigger child or adult, you have to be comfortable floating around w/ your face in the water, propel yourself by kicking (much easier with fins). So, in sum, you don't have to be a champion swimmer, but you should be able to float and tread water, and get yourself back to the boat.

Hope this helps. Have fun!

 

[markey]

It also depends how deep the water is. If you are in shallow water and can touch bottom then I would say it is ok for a child. But even an adult in the water with a child who cannot swim is dangerous. The vests used are not a qualified safety device. Last August when we went on the Snorkle trip in Cozumel the water was so choppy that they pulled us out after 15 minutes. My GK's, 9 and 10, are good swimmers and had to be pulled back by the crew because we had enough trouble getting ourselves back, and they were not the only ones the boat had to pull around to pick people up. I think the water conditions and snorkle area should be taken into consideration before anyone, child or adult, goes into the water who cannot swim.

 

[lbgraves]

At CC they require you to wear an inflatible vest when you snorkle and will give you one free of charge if you bring your own equipment. I have seen these worn in pictures of other snorkling excursions too. I remember the first time that I snorkled. It takes a little getting use to. I had to sit in shallow water to get comfortable with breathing under water. I would think that in order to enjoy the experience you would need to be comfortable with being in the water & having your face in the water alot. JMO though.

 

[PoohJen]

yes, the rougher/deeper the water, the better swimmer you need to be.

the vests they give you at CC inflate (you blow them up) in an emergency, not meant to be inflated while snorkeling.

To really see much of anything while snorkeling at CC, you have to go a ways out (i.e., it gets deeper).

My snorkeling excursion in ST Thms was cancelled due to rough waters in Nov. I was disappointed, but I know that my twin 7 year olds wouldn't have lasted long - not being strong swimmers, they would've tuckered out quickly and we'd probably spend the bulk of the excursion on the boat or beach.

As an aside, I had bought cheap mask/snorkel at Walmart for the kids to practice in the pool, to get comfortable with the gear.

just keep swimmin', just keep swimmin'...

 

[Duckieluckey]

I have many years of snorkeling experience and have taught many people to snorkel including my wife and children. If you can’t swim you have no business using a snorkel. It is easy for an in experienced person to get strangled with a snorkel. If a child (or adult) is not a good swimmer they should limit themselves to goggles or a mask. Since you had to ask the question, you should have someone who knows what they are doing give snrokle instructions.

 

[NYDisneyMom]

yes, the rougher/deeper the water, the better swimmer you need to be.

the vests they give you at CC inflate (you blow them up) in an emergency, not meant to be inflated while snorkeling.

??? 90% of the people snorkeling in CC (including myself and my kids) had their invests inflated while snorkeling in CC. they're not just for emergencies. they can also be used to "help" you stay afloat, and allow you to snorkel longer. The same types of vests were used on our snorkel excursion in Barbados last month and the guys running the excursion were putting the vests on and blowing them up for everyone. So, yes, you can use the vests to help you snorkel...not just for an emergency.

 

[PoohJen]

ok, NYmom, I believe you, although I'd say no one had inflated their vest when I was at CC.

But as to the OP, I don't believe the vests "help" you snorkel, ya still need to swim.

 

[spoon2003]

I'm a non swimmer, I really, really wanted to snorkle with my DD at CC in 2003. I made every effort to relax and float (I take my kids swimming in our local health club and have no problem floating in the deep ends or even swim the width of the shallow end), but the open water of the beach was overwhelming for me. I ended up sitting on the beach with my mask in the water and was able to see some fish. I was disappointed in myself as my daughter wanted to see the sunken Mickey and I felt really bad that she couldn't because her Mom can't swim!!!

Just my experience, don't want you to feel like a failure like I was.

Sue

 

[Duckieluckey]

If you really want to feel like a failure then imagin sitting on the side of the pool watching your child drown because you can't swim and can't help.

Can't learn to swim? Get some private lessons and practice as if your life and those of your family depended on it. No excusses, excusses are for loosers.

 

[spoon2003]

I've taken many lessons, both group and private in my youth and adult life. Somehow I can't overcome the fear of open water.

Sue