Kids Safety Tips for Snorkeling Around Coral Reefs

Snorkeling is a tremendously fun activity. It's a great way for kids to experience life under the water, and it can provide hours of fun on a vacation. However, it is not without certain dangers. Scrapes from a coral reef contain microorganisms which can take a long time to heal, and sea-urchin stings can be particularly painful. Luckily, there are a lot of ways that you can help prevent your child from getting scraped up on the reef.

  1. Protect Sensitive Feet with Fins

    • When shopping for snorkel gear for your child, you have the option of buying fins that are open heel or full foot. The benefit of the open heel is that they are adjustable, so they tend to fit better. However, they do leave the heel of the foot exposed, which is a problem when entering and exiting the water. To prevent stepping on a sea urchin, consider choosing full foot fins or if you really want the open heel fins, buy a pair of dive booties for your child to wear along with the fins.

    Cover-Up Exposed Skin

    • It's important to protect your child's skin when he is in the water. One way is to put sun block on him. However, you also want to make sure that your child doesn't get cut up on the reef. It's a good idea to have your child wear a t-shirt or rash guard. This helps cover up as much skin as possible, so if your child finds himself gliding over the reef, he won't get his chest scratched up on it.

    Know Your Child

    • One of the best ways that you can protect your child is to know your child. Does your child always like to touch objects no matter how strange or dangerous it might seem? If so, then it's a good idea to invest in some tropical gloves so that she can touch the reef if she needs to without hurting herself. You can pick up a pair of tropical gloves at your nearest dive shop.

    Check Wind Conditions

    • It's very important to avoid snorkeling on windy days. Although coral reefs are one of the safer places for your child to snorkel, if a surge is pushing your child around in the water to where they have to touch the reef or are pushed against the reef this can cause potential injury to both your child and the reef. To avoid this, make sure you check the wind conditions before heading into the water.

    Pack a First Aid Kit

    • Despite all your safety precautions your child could still get scraped up on the reef or stung by a sea urchin. It's a good idea to bring along a small amount of white vinegar or some hydrogen peroxide with you just in case. In addition, be sure to also pack a pair of tweezers. If your child did step in a sea urchin, you'll want to remove as many of the spines as possible.