Kids and snorkeling?

[Aristomommy]

What age would you/did you allow your child to try snorkeling? Or is it a matter of swimming and breathing skills rather than a specific age? I know most snorkeling excursions say 6 years or older.

 

[prymsu]

I think if they are good swimmers, and you don't take them anywhere deep the first time, they should be ok.

 

[abitjaded]

Can your kids put their faces in the water and keep eyes open with or without a mask? Then they will probably do O.K. My kid's swim coach says there is a certain type of kid swimmer, those who love masks and snorkels and will keep their faces in the water, then there are others who hate it, even if they swim well. Try to find snorkel gear that fits the kids well, teach them the proper way to clear the mask and snorkel in a pool or dead calm water. If they know how to do these things without thinking then they will do fine in the waves and bobs of the ocean. The unfamiliarity of the gear and the ocean waves can be freaky even to an adult.

Carla

 

[candleonwater]

The you have a swimmer like my just turned 5 daughter... she hates putting her face in the water! But boy, she LOVED snorkeling at CC!

 

[mog]

My youngest was 3 1/2 when we went in December. We brought our own gear and had all three kids practice in the pool before we went. The 3 year old was an okay swimmer, but with the snorkel vest on she floated anyway. She did okay, but was not real crazy about putting her face in the salt water even though she did fine in the pool breathing through the snorkel. It also helped that we brought along a float for the kids to hang on to when they wanted to adjust masks, take a break, etc.