Supervision

• On-site supervision is suggested following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.
• Constant visual supervision by a certified NLS Lifeguard is required.
• In water that is shallow enough to stand up in - 1:12 ratio of instructors to students or less depending on the configuration and size of pool and maturity level of the students.
• Note that lifeguard on duty and instructor, assistant instructor, or dive master and teacher work as a team for overseeing pool supervision and activities at all times.

Instructional Considerations

• Snorkeling should first be learned in a pool if available before progressing to open water such as lake water or ocean, usually along the shoreline.
• Students must be of good general health and be free of flu/cold symptoms on the day of the activity to be able to participate in the water.
• Prior to giving students access to deep water (above chest height) for swimming or any other aquatic activity, students should be able to meet the Swim to Survive Standard, a sequence of three skills: roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute and swim 50 m.
• Students should be introduced to basic skills related to safe participation in the activity and environment selected. This may include:
  • Pre-dive gear assembly and check for proper functioning and fit
  • Care and proper maintenance of snorkel gear
  • Hand signals
  • Clearing the mask and snorkel
  • Swimming with fins
  • Entry and exit methods and surface diving
  • Equalization and importance of always exhaling upon ascent
  • Hyperventilation – risk of shallow water blackout
  • Buddy system
  • Staying with buddy and group and dangers of not doing so
  • Inflating life vest/snorkel vest, if worn
  • UV and/or Sunburn awareness and protection (if applicable)
  • Potential marine or boating hazards
  • Awareness of the hazards due to weather, tides, high winds, etc.
  • Rescue techniques
  • Preparation for hyperthermia and/or hypothermia treatment

Equipment/Facilities

• Ensure students have proper fitting masks, snorkels and fins.
• If equipment is provided, the service provider, usually a scuba instructor/assistant instructor/dive master and/or dive centre, should check and provide students with proper fitting snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins).
• When open water snorkeling, appropriately fitting wetsuits (or dry suits) should be used with the exception of warm, shallow bays in lakes or oceans.
• For protection from stinging marine hazards, e.g., jelly fish in tropical waters, properly fitting wetsuits and/or coverings appropriate to the area are recommended.