You don’t have to venture far to discover fabulous snorkeling from shore in Palm Beach County.
Some tips for a safe snorkeling adventure:
- Before snorkeling gather all your equipment. Check your mask, snorkel and fins to be sure they work and are adjusted to fit you properly. Make sure the snorkel is attached firmly to the mask strap with a snorkel keeper.
- Best time to snorkel is within 2 hours before or after high tide.
- Decide where to snorkel. If you snorkel in an unguarded area you will need a diver’s flag which can be purchased at any dive shop. The flag is red with a white stripe from the upper left corner to the lower right corner. Attach the flag to a float; inner tubes, boogie boards, surfboards, or small inflatable boats make good surface floats. The flag should stand high above the float so that boater’s can see it. The float can be tied to an anchor or buoy or left to float along the snorkeler in calm water.
- Check the ocean conditions from a viewpoint. Observe waves, currents, wind, water visibility and weather. If conditions are poor, have an alternate activity planned.
- If unfamiliar with the area, ask a lifeguard or a local patron about the diving conditions.
- Know your personal swimming limitations and snorkeling abilities and remain alert to them.
- Beginners should practice clearing their snorkel in shallow water.
- Decide on entry and exit points
- Always snorkel with a buddy! It’s more fun to share awesome experiences and if something unpredictable happens, you have somebody to help you.
- Stay relaxed in the water.
- Be aware of changing conditions and your buddy at all times.
- Exit at the decided exit point.
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