We want our kids to enjoy their activities but above all we want them to practice these activities under safe conditions. This is so more important when it comes to our kids snorkeling in the ocean. We want to eliminate any potential dangers that can arise even in the most tranquil and serene environments. 

With proper precautions, care and instructions, we can easily prevent such danger from happening to our loved ones. This will ensure that snorkeling is as safe for our kids as much as it is enjoyable.

Education is an important factor in kids snorkeling safety

The most important factor in kids snorkeling safety is that your kids are educated in this activity by their parents/ carers. It is up to your responsibility to proactively educate your kids regarding the dangers that can arise through snorkeling.

As you know, kids love to stay for long periods in the water. Even if they are freezing they will continue to stay splashing around. Bring out the awareness in them to stop snorkeling and get out of the water whenever they feel cold, tired or in anyway uncomfortable.

Kids are curious by nature; I remember I was one of those kids who had to touch every single thing to see if it moves, how it feels and if it gets squishy. Yet when snorkeling one must know what is safe to touch and what could cause an injury.  It is a good idea to teach your kid about water creatures such as corals, sea urchins and moray eels and how they are lovely to look at but not to touch.  You could even prepare them whilst still at home, showing them pictures of what they could see in that locality you are going to snorkel in and turning this activity into a fun educational one. Whilst on the beach you could even tell them to report to you what lovely interesting creatures they would have seen on their snorkeling trip, turning them into little explorers. Remember – the key phrase is look but don’t touch.

Teach your kids the basic swimming skills

Besides knowing the basics in swimming, yet it is important that your kids also know the basic concepts of snorkeling. If not, then it is up to you to teach your kids on how to use the mask and snorkel. In our article on teaching your kids snorkeling we cover the basic skills which you can teach your kids.  

If your kid is not such a strong swimmer then you may want to invest in a snorkeling vest. Besides making your child feel more secure and confident, it will assist him/her with learning to swim and will make any swimming activity safer for them due to the increased buoyancy.

The most important fundamental in kids snorkeling safety, is that you teach your kids so that they are aware to never go snorkeling on their own. We all know that kids especially pre teens will want to discover things on their own. Instill this idea in your kid that snorkeling is not a one man sport but a team sport.

 Explain to them the importance of not snorkeling alone. You could tell them that snorkeling is done as a group, where the group looks out for each other. Show them the concept of the buddy system where kids group up in pairs and these pairs take care of each other and are on the look out for any signs of danger.

Invest in a kids wetsuit will further ensure kids snorkeling safety

If you intend to take your kid snorkeling along a rocky coast or coral reef, then it will be wise to invest in exposure gear to protect your child’s skin from potential abrasions or stings. A rash guard or, even more, a kids wetsuit will protect your child from the elements.

Due to their smaller bodies, their body heat is easily lost even in not so cold waters. A wetsuit will ensure that your child is always kept warm, whether on the beach or by a pool.

Another benefit offered by the wetsuit, is that it will also protect your child from abrasions, coral and stinging marine creatures which can be extremely painful. Giving that these last years the jellyfish population has ballooned, wetsuits are a precaution which should be considered.

UV protection is also guaranteed with the wetsuit as it will give your kid 100% sun protection for areas which are covered. This will definitely minimizes the risk that your kids may get sunburned.

Scuba boots may also be considered as part of your kids snorkeling gear. Investing in scuba booties will likely protect your child from abrasions and stings when moving in and out of the water.

Although you may have taken all the necessary safety precautions, your child may still get stung by jellyfish or scraped against a reef. It is not a bad idea to bring along a first aid kit also containing some white vinegar.

Remember to protect your kids with sunscreen

A key factor in kids snorkeling safety is to protect your child from direct exposure from the sun's harmful rays. If you find that the wetsuit is not necessary, then rub your kid down in water resistant high protection sunscreen. Apply the lotion to all the parts of your kid’s body which will be exposed to the sun.

It is also a good idea for them to wear a t-shirt, if you think that they will be snorkeling for an extensive period of time. Should your kid turn squeamish with the idea of being rubbed down with sunscreen, you could turn it into a playful game, using various colorful children sunscreens to do face painting and body painting turning them into colorful fish or sea like creatures before entering the water. Rest assured your kids would love it!