Can a beginner swimmer be allowed to go snorkeling???

I've gone on guided snorkeling tours with people who are not-as strong swimmers. In this case the guide will usually get out a big raft with handles. People who are then not that comfortable swimming must then hold onto the raft while the guide takes them around. Sure, it's not as frring as snorkeling on your own, but a professional guide will take all the precaustions to make sure that everyone is safe. I've also seen smaller children use this method to keep them away fromt eh rocks and coral. My advice would be not to go at it alone. If you insist on trying to go, go with a guide. Make sure the guide knows that you are new to swimming. You might have to take a test and swim a lap in the pool to prove yourself, but it is better to be safe than sorry. I'm not the best swimmer myself, but I've been snorkeling lots of time. Just make sure you you're as safe as possible.

Hi Rexy! Are you planning to go snorekeling this summer? Most boatmen who offer snorekeling offer life vests to their clients so it wouldn't be much of a problem for you. All you need to do is stay close to your group while you're snorekeling. Also it's also better if you continue the swimming lessons that your boyfriend is giving you.

Me, too don't know how to swim and at this very moment i havent begin learning how to swim, i really want to learn, maybe if i have my tym and someone would patiently teach me, then i will go for it,, Before my older brother taught me, just give me some points on what to do, but that was only often and it never happened again.. Good for you, maybe later you will learn how to, just concentrate first on the basic and eventually you will enhance it and improve your learning, don't rush learning how to snork, you will learn it just not in a hurry..

Well, Snorkeling isn't THAT difficult. However, if you're still a beginner in terms of swimming, it would be wise to wait until you're confident that you can actually swim. If you were to want to go deep under the sea you would need to learn to become a diver, and you need to get a certificate before you're allowed to dive. Snorkeling is a lot of fun though and so long as you don't wander too far off shore and you have someone with you, and you're wearing a life jacket, you should be fine. But make sure you're confident in your abilities first. if you're not, thats when accidents happen.

from what i see you still need to practice floating first coz mainly this is basic before swimming and even snorkeling...maybe i could visit you sometime and teach you floating...hope no one gets mad....=)

If you mean snrkeling, rather than scuba, then I think you can. When I was little I was always paddling aournd in a mini-mask and snorkel. The summer my son learned to swim, that was exactly how he did it, with a mask and snorkel, paddling around looking under water. He liked the idea he wasn't getting water up his nose and learning to swim was very natural for him using this method. He couldn'clear the snorkel, but he was also only five. If you aren't the panicky sort, practice in shallower water and go for it!

i don't swim well but i am able to snorkel... i guess when you go out in the water, just have someone / pair up with someone who does swim well. where do you go snorkeling anyway? i mean, to the sites i have been too, they allowed us and there is just always people around somewhere to assist.

I do not think that this is a good idea to go snorkelling when you are not a good swimmer as yet, but keep practising and you will be a better swimmer and then you could go snorkelling. It is wonderful to do as my youngest daughter does this but she is a very strong swimmer, listen when your boyfried teachers you to swim I do hope that he is teaching you to swim in a swimming pool first before you learn in the ocean.

I agree with Krebstar. I'm not a very strong swimmr, but i have been snorkling many times. Really all you need to do is flat at the surface and this can be done with the help of a life vest (probably the safest option), or some other external flotation device, like a raft. What I think it really important is that you go snorkeling with a group of people who are strong swimmers and have someone keep an eye on you. Also, keep praticing your swimming, and floating. Swiiming is great excerise, but that said, you can get very tiried very quickly being in the ocean. Build up for stamina for being in the water. Even strong swimmers can drown if they get too tired. I think you are doing a great thing, by learning to swim and being cautious....but you shouldn't miss out on all the fun. You can be safe and still participate so long as you take some percautions.

It's so hard to go deeper and snorkel into the bottom of the sea if you don't know how to swim yet. So beginners like you would really need to have a life jacket on. You can still do snorkeling even if you're still trying to learn swimming. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to be a good swimmer because when you snorkel, mostly, you just get to see the upper part of the sea. The most bottom part would already require for you to become a diver. When you snorkel, just don't forget your life jacket and a complete snorkeling gears. It's a lot of fun and you can already see whatever is under the sea. :)

Hello im 32 years old and dont know how to swim and know what I have tried snorkeling and it does not require knowledge in swimming because they provided us with life jacket so theres no danger. Theres no need to fear anything since its a safe activity, though you have fears along the way but you should face your fears and its such a wonderful expereince something that you would really treasure and something that you will do again and again.

I just saw these tips at Sail Hawaii. Seems like common sense: Knowing your personal limitations is a vital skill often overlooked. Recognize them and remain alert to them. There is no good reason to push your limits. They will change with each snorkeling opportunity presented. Factors to consider are water temperature, surge, currents, and visibility. A relaxed snorkeler gets more pleasure out of snorkeling and a greater appreciation of the environment. You are also less threatening (and less of a target). When the aquatic wildlife realizes you are not a threat, they resume their normal routine, allowing you to experience their world. Good luck!