For those who are new to the joys of snorkeling, the idea of breathing through a tube while swimming can be daunting. Now add currents, waves, and deep waters. Some may feel fearful about leaving the shore immediately. A great solution for building confidence in the water is to wear a life jacket. Snorkeling with life jacket- is not just for beginners. It ensures safety, comfort, conserve energy, and peace of mind for all. It is very helpful for your initial snorkeling adventures. This post is your helpful guide to snorkeling with life jacket.
Why Snorkeling with Life Jacket?
As per NCBI– Drowning is a risk associated with aquatic activity. It is estimated to claim the lives of 372,000 people every year, accounting for 7% of the global burden of injury-related death. Drowning and fatalities at sea are a large concern globally. According to a ResearchGate Study– 85% of recreational activity-related drowning victims in the United States in 2018 did not wear a life jacket. Survival probability of victims wearing life jackets was 94%.
Benefits of Snorkeling with Life Jacket
Seasoned snorkelers have no issue staying afloat without any extra aid. Beginning snorkelers can benefit from a life jacket in many ways:
- Peace of mind – The buoyancy support calms fears and anxiety in the water. You can relax knowing you have extra help floating.
- Energy conservation – You exert less effort treading water, allowing you to snorkel longer without tiring as quickly.
- Better breathing – A life jacket keeps your torso elevated, which makes taking full breaths through the snorkel easier.
- Resting – If you need a break from swimming and kicking, you can float along without sinking underwater.
- Safety net – In choppy water or strong currents, a life jacket provides backup buoyancy to keep your head above water.
Snorkel Vest Vs Life Jacket
there might be some confusion between life jackets and snorkel vests, as both serve as flotation devices. Let’s address this misconception:
- Life Jackets:
- Purpose: Life jackets are primarily designed to keep you afloat and ensure your safety in the water.
- Construction: They typically consist of buoyant foam material and are bulkier.
- Usage Scenarios: Life jackets are mandatory on airplanes, commercial boats, and during water sports. They are essential for situations where buoyancy and safety are critical.
- Limitations: While they provide excellent buoyancy, they may obstruct your ability to comfortably snorkel or dive below the surface.
- Snorkel Vests:
- Purpose: Snorkel vests are specifically tailored for snorkeling activities.
- Design: These vests are lightweight, compact, and inflatable. They do not have foam.
- Advantages:
- Freedom of Movement: Snorkel vests allow you to move freely while snorkeling.
- Submerged Viewing: You can swim or float with your face submerged, making it easier to observe marine life.
- Adjustable Buoyancy: Inflatable snorkel vests let you control buoyancy by adding or releasing air.
- Recommended for: Snorkelers who want comfort, flexibility, and the ability to dive below the surface.
Types of Life Jackets
A personal flotation device- also known as a PFD or Life Jacket is an essential piece of gear for every aquatic activity. There are mainly 5 types of life jackets used worldwide according to The US Coast Guards:
Life Vests
- Also known as inherently buoyant life jackets
- Made from foam or other buoyant materials
- Provide constant buoyancy without inflation
- Bulkier and less comfortable for active use
- Ideal for casual boating, fishing, etc.
Inflatable Life Jackets
- Must be manually inflated by pulling an activation cord
- Inflate with carbon dioxide gas cylinders or orally
- More comfortable and less restrictive when deflated
- Require regular maintenance to ensure inflation system works
- Good for water sports like snorkeling, sailing, kayaking
Hybrid Life Jackets
- Combination of inherent buoyancy and inflatable chambers
- Provide some flotation when deflated
- Additional buoyancy when inflated manually or automatically triggered
- Offer versatility for different water activities
- Heavier and pricier than other types
Auto-Inflating Life Jackets
- Designed to self-inflate when immersed in water
- Detection systems vary, from pull cords to water sensors
- Quickly add buoyancy when accidentally falling overboard
- Require rearming inflation system after each use
- Often used on cruise ships and commercial vessels
Special Use Life Jackets
- Designed for specific activities like sailing, kayaking, canoeing
- Allow freedom of movement for arms while keeping torsos afloat
- Usually inflatable or hybrid styles with front or side chambers
- Must be Coast Guard approved for designated activities
Choosing the Perfect Snorkel Life Jacket
The right life jacket depends on your needs – comfort, ease of movement, and reliability. Not all life jackets are suited for snorkeling. Keep these factors in mind when selecting one:
- Snug fit – It should fit close to your body to allow for easier swimming yet not restrict movement.
- Lightweight – A heavy, bulky life jacket will cause fatigue faster. Look for lightweight nylon or mesh options designed for water sports.
- Front-zip – An easy-to-secure front zip closure works better than overhead vests which can ride up over your face.
- Marine colors – Bright life jackets can scare away fish. Opt for colors like blue, black or gray blends in better underwater.
- Minimal bulk – Thin, low-profile jackets without excessive straps or belts prevent snagging on reefs or corals.
Wearing Your Snorkeling Life Jacket: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Strap it on: Unbuckle all straps. Position the life jacket on your chest, centered between your shoulder blades.
- Wrap and Buckle: Cross the straps if needed, then buckle them securely in front.
- Snug it: Adjust for a snug fit—no wiggle room for jellyfish! Test the fit with a gentle tug.
- Snorkel Ready: Once in the water, ensure your life jacket stays put.
Snorkeling with Life Jacket Techniques
Once you have a well-fitted life jacket on, use these techniques for the best snorkeling experience:
- Adjust the buoyancy – Inflate or deflate the life jacket according to your need. Float high but not so much that it lifts your snorkel out of the water.
- Weight yourself – Using a belt with small weights helps counteract the buoyancy if needed.
- Position horizontally – Float on your stomach, not vertically with your legs dangling down which can cause kicking issues.
- Relax your body – Avoid tensing up your muscles. Let the life jacket fully support you while breathing freely.
- Use your arms – Your arm motions propel you forward, not frantic leg kicking which can cause you to flip over.
- Stay aware – Scan conditions often so you don’t drift into strong currents or waves that may go over your snorkel.
Snorkeling with Life Jacket Tips
- Shallow Practice: Before deep-sea adventures, practice in shallow waters. Get cozy with your life jacket—it’s your new BFF.
- Breathe Easy: Slow, deep breaths through your snorkel. Just Inhale, exhale, repeat.
- Float On: Trust your life jacket. Relax, float, and let the underwater magic unfold.
Conclusion
Remember, fellow snorkelers, the life jacket isn’t just gear—it’s your aquatic guardian. Snorkeling opens up a whole new underwater world to enjoy. Using a properly fitted life jacket lets you access that world with confidence as a beginner. So, slip into your snug jacket, channel your inner soul, and dive into the salty embrace of the sea. You’ll be exploring like a pro before you know it! Happy snorkeling!
Snorkeling with Life Jacket FAQs
Q1: Where is it best to wear a life jacket when snorkeling?
A: Calm, shallow reef areas or lagoons are ideal for beginners with life jackets. Avoid choppy open waters until you have more experience.
Q: What about inflatable life jackets?
A: Inflatable life jackets allow you to dive and won’t lift you out of the water like foam jackets. However, you have to manually inflate them in an emergency.
Q: Is it okay to snorkel alone with a life jacket?
A: It’s always safer to snorkel with a partner even when wearing a life jacket. Let someone on shore know where and how long you’ll be snorkeling too.
Q: How can I gradually gain confidence without a life jacket?
A: Try wearing one but not fully inflated so it only assists with buoyancy. Start gradually from any pool.
Q: Can I rent snorkeling life jackets?
A: Many snorkel tour operators and beach resorts have life jackets available for rent. Check availability in advance and ensure the sizing fits you properly.
Q: Are life jackets only for weak swimmers?
A: Absolutely not! Even strong swimmers appreciate the added peace of mind and convenience a life jacket provides while snorkeling in open water. Don’t be afraid to use one!
Q: Is snorkeling safe for non-swimmers?
A: Snorkeling is very accessible for beginners. You can start right away with minimal gear and instruction. It is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by non-swimmers of all ages with basic water confidence.