Swimming/ Snorkeling Safety

[cruiseapril]

We thought it would be good to share safety ideas about swimming and snorkeling in unfamiliar places. We snorkeled in Curacao almost every weekend when we lived in Curacao for two years. These are the rules we followed:

 

Always swim with a buddy, always wait at least a half hour after eating before swimming, and find out about the conditions before snorkeling.

 

Ask the cruise staff or beach staff about possible undertow and about possible stinging sea creatures.

 

Does anyone have other rules they follow?

[O2B@C]

We thought it would be good to share safety ideas about swimming and snorkeling in unfamiliar places. We snorkeled in Curacao almost every weekend when we lived in Curacao for two years. These are the rules we followed:

 

Always swim with a buddy, always wait at least a half hour after eating before swimming, and find out about the conditions before snorkeling.

 

Ask the cruise staff or beach staff about possible undertow and about possible stinging sea creatures.

 

Does anyone have other rules they follow?

 

Yours are the most important ones. I'd only add:

 

Make sure you actually stay WITH your buddy; you should each know where the other is at all times, and not be more than a few swimming strokes apart.

 

Look up from time to time to get your bearings and see how far you are from shore (or from the nearest place you can stand up, or from your boat, or whatever). Currents can carry you farther than you realize while you're looking down at all the pretty fishies!

 

Know your limits; take a break when you get too tired or chilled, and go back in later.

 

Don't get so close to the coral that currents or waves (or your buddy) can slam you into it. Coral scrapes are nasty, and some varieties can sting as well.

 

Don't stick your hand into any holes. You never know what might be hiding in there.

 

Also - this is more of an environmental thing than a safety thing - people should know that it is NOT OK to stand on coral. It kills the coral polyps, and harms the reef. If you need to stand for a minute in order to rest, find a spot of bare sand to stand on.

 

Now I'm getting concerned that people who haven't snorkeled will read this and get concerned that it's too dangerous. It's one of the most wonderful experiences in the world, and not to be missed! It's just one of those things where a little bit of mindfulness and common sense is needed in order to avoid mishaps - not unlike driving in that regard, but MUCH more fun!

[cruiseapril]

Snorkeling is wonderful- just beautiful, a whole world under the sea.

 

And it's good to talk about safety in light of the people who rent gear at the private islands and have little experience.