|
STANDARD
PROGRAMS | SCUBA PROGRAMS | ADVANCED
PROGRAMS | FIELD TRIPS & LAB
ACTIVITIES
WATER SAFETY & SNORKELING | TEACHER
COMMENTS
WATER SAFETY
& SNORKELING
 Participants
do not need to know how to snorkel, or even know how to swim prior to
their
visit. We carefully orient each student to the water and the use
of snorkeling equipment in every MarineLab program.
 The
first thing our instructors do with any student is administer a "swim
test".
This "test" merely demonstrates the student's comfort level in the
water;
there is no required time limit or stroke to swim the 100 feet.
If
a student appears uncomfortable at all, our instructors pay special
attention
to that student while in the water. Non swimming students are
provided
with extra buoyancy and extra supervision. We specialize in
encouraging
unsure swimmers, through patience and care, to become reasonably
confident
snorkelers.
 After
their "swim test", students are shown the proper technique for fitting
their snorkel gear. They are instructed to use the "HHH"
snorkeling
position: head, hind end, and heels at the water line to avoid
touching
the coral!
 Orally
inflatable snorkel vests are worn by all participants at all times in
the
water while snorkeling. These vests provide extra buoyancy if
desired
by the individual and are brightly colored to aid visual tracking of
the
snorkelers.
 We
have a wide variety of fins and masks in stock to fit snorkelers from 8
to 80 years old! The buddy system is used among MarineLab
students.
A novice or apprehensive snorkeler is usually paired with a more
experienced
buddy or with the instructor. Buddy pairs are instructed to
stay within arms' length of each other and within 100 feet of the
boats.
Our staff
are all experienced with instructing students in the water. They
hold Lifeguard certifications and most also have years of experience on
the water, with boats and with people in aquatic situations.
|
