In this section we will be looking at snorkeling techniques for assisting kids to develop the essential skills for safe snorkeling.

At what age can kids start to snorkel?

This varies upon the level of swimming skills your child has and their confidence in the water. Kids can start snorkeling as early as five year old. In my opinion its best to start them off when they are young.. this will increase their confidence in the water. 

The most important thing in teaching kids snorkeling is that kids must first feel comfortable in the water. It is a great idea to start them out in a bath tub at home or in very shallow calm waters.

Do not push your kids to learn how to snorkel, on the contrary, it is best if you let your kids to develop their skills at their own pace. If they are pressured, it will likely take out the fun of snorkeling. Do not worry, a child’s skill will improve on their own with practice.

 It is also important that you as a parent, should encourage your kids so that they become aware of their own limits. For instance should they start to feel cold or tired in the water, they should be encouraged to get out of the water and rest. If you instill these characteristics in your child then you are on the right track.

Another consideration in teaching kids snorkeling is that it is important that you should instruct your kids to never snorkel alone but to share their snorkeling experiences with friends or family. Besides being safer, this will make your kids snorkeling experience the more enjoyable

Step by Step guide on teaching kids snorkeling

Practice will undoubtedly develop your kids snorkeling skills. Ideally, begin your child’s training in calm, shallow water, where your child is able to reach out with his/her arms. Shallow areas are also great and easy for your child to practice with buoyancy.  

Mastering the skill and confidence to float will be a major milestone towards safe and relaxed snorkeling.  However this will take time. So be patient and never push your child to exceed their capabilities. This skill will be perfected by time and practice.

The next step is to have your kid practice the skill of treading through water. The most important thing to look out for is that your kid is comfortable and is able to lift their head above the water whenever the need arises.

Familiarize your kids with the snorkeling gear

Teaching your kids snorkeling may take some time. This is more so the case when your kids learn on how to use their snorkeling equipment.

First it is best if you start off your kids with learning on how to use the snorkeling mask, then the snorkel, and finally the fins. When trying the mask on your kid, be sure that it fits well. Once you are satisfied that your child is comfortable with the mask, the next step is to put on the snorkel. It does not necessary need to be properly fit. Just pass the snorkel though the mask strap between the mask and your child's face. Next, let your kid explore the mask and snorkel.. It is good for them to wear it on dry land so as to get the hang of breathing through the snorkel

Once your kid is prepared to go snorkel, go with your child and keep close. Important to instruct your child to breath from his/her mouth. 

Ideally a snorkeling mask should remain reasonably dry on the inside, but it can sometimes accidentally seep in with water. Show your kid on how to clear the water from a flooded mask by raising the head, pulling the lower edge of the snorkeling mask away from the face.

If by now you think that your child has gained confidence, show him/her how to clear their snorkel should water come in. This is advisable as you wouldn't want your child swallowing water if he/she submerges their head below the water.

The next milestone is to teach your kids on how to fin. This not a difficult task to achieve. Just show them the right way to fin. Encourage them to kids to thread slowly through the water with relaxed movements and to use their hips during the kick in a way that he/she does not break the water’s surface. Fins will greatly assist your kids in swimming. Used correctly your kid will snorkel effortlessly along the surface.