How to Use a Snorkel Vest

A snorkeling vest is used to aid the diver in floating without having to constantly maintain buoyancy. These vests can quickly inflate and deflate to allow the swimmer to dive without removing the vest. The vest fits almost like a life jacket but is not meant to be used as a life-saving device. The snorkeling vest also gives you an extended oral inflation tube so the diver can easily add air when desired (See Reference 1).

Instructions

    • 1

      Put on the snorkel vest by pulling the hole in the vest over your head so the inflation tube is sticking out in front of you. Allow the waist strap to fall in front of you and the cross strap to fall behind your right shoulder.

    • 2

      Wrap the waist strap around your waist and attach the end to the buckle located on the front of the vest.

    • 3

      Attach the strap to the male buckle. Pull the excess strap to tighten it to a comfortable position.

    • 4

      Pull the cross strap from behind your back through the front of your legs and up to the male buckle on the bottom of the vest.

    • 5

      Attach the strap buckle to its male counterpart to secure. Tighten the strap until you are comfortable.

    • 6

      Get in the water with the vest not inflated.

    • 7

      Keep your self buoyant by kicking in place.

    • 8

      Grab the inflation tube and pull down on the valve tip. This will open the valve for you to add air into the vest. Between breaths, let go of the valve to keep air from escaping. After a few breaths, you should be able to stop kicking and stay buoyant using the vest alone.

    • 9

      Twist the locking ring directly below the inflation valve to prevent accidental release of air.

    • 10

      Deflate the air from the vest when you are ready to dive. Float on your back, untwist the locking ring and pull down on the inflation valve to allow air to release quickly.