Snorkling with a 4yo - Anybody done it?

[tex_toby]

We're taking our son who will have just turned 4 on his first cruise in June. We're going to attempt to snorkel with him. He has practiced in the bathtub since he was two. :D Anybody done it? Any hints or tips? Obviously we will be right there helping him the whole time. We're not going to just toss him in the water and says "Go!"

 

Toby :cool:

[TheVegasMan]

We're going to attempt to snorkel with him. He has practiced in the bathtub since he was two.

Have you been practicing with snorkel and mask, or just having him face down in the water blowing bubbles?

 

You can get a child's size snorkle and mask at your local sporting goods store or dive shop and practice in the tub or heated pool.

 

How does he do in the pool? That can be a good indication of how he does in the ocean.

[JLC@SD]

I would do it in shallow water .....waist deep.....his waist......and if he is a good swimmer, you can take him into water that is a little deeper.

[sunflower girl]

We take her snorkeling frequently, as we live on the Gulf coast of FL. She can swim pretty well but we keep her in a floaty suit for snorkeling. She really likes it. She also practices in the tub and pool. I would feel comfortable taking her on a boat snorkel trip, but if you can find one from shore it might be easeir for his first time in the open water.

 

Have fun!

[NeurosurgeryNP]

I would definitely avoind any open water tours and stay close to shore. I am a diver and a decent swimmer, but on the surface in the open water swimming and snorkeling can be very difficult.