Snorkeling is a great way to get up close and personal with the underwater world, but it’s important to be safe while doing it. Wearing a life vest can help you stay safe while snorkeling and can also give you some peace of mind.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a life vest for snorkeling. First, you’ll want to make sure that the vest is comfortable and fits well. You don’t want it to be too loose or too tight. Second, you’ll want to make sure that the vest has enough buoyancy to keep you afloat. Third, you’ll want to make sure that the vest doesn’t impede your movement while snorkeling. Fourth, you’ll want to make sure that the vest is easy to get on and off.
Figuring out what size life vest you need is relatively simple. Just take your weight and add 1 pound for every inch over 5 feet tall that you are. For example, if you weigh 120 pounds and are 6 feet tall, you would need a life vest that has 26 pounds of buoyancy (120 + 6).
There are two main types of life vests: inflatable and foam-filled. Inflatable life vests are more compact and can be easily stored when not in use. Foam-filled life vests are larger and bulkier but they provide more buoyancy.
The Benefits of Wearing a Life Vest
You’ll Stay Safe
Most people think of life jackets as something that is only necessary when boating, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Life jackets are just as important when you’re snorkeling, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer.
Wearing a life jacket will help to keep you safe in the event of an emergency. If you get tired or if the current gets too strong, you can easily float to the surface and be rescued. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
In addition to keeping you safe, wearing a life jacket will also help to keep you warm. The water temperature can drop quickly once you start snorkeling, and it’s important to stay warm in order to avoid hypothermia. A life jacket will help to insulate your body and keep you comfortable in the water.
You’ll Be More Comfortable
One of the main reasons why you should consider wearing a life vest when snorkeling is for comfort. If you’re not a strong swimmer, or if you get tired easily, a life vest will help you stay afloat and take some of the stress off of your arms and legs. In addition, if you’re snorkeling in rough water, a life vest can help keep you from being tossed around by the waves.
Another reason to wear a life vest is because it will provide you with some extra buoyancy. This can be helpful if you find yourself in a situation where you need to swim to safety. In addition, if you get tired while snorkeling, having extra buoyancy can help prevent you from sinking.
You’ll Be More Enjoyable
Wearing a life vest while snorkeling has many benefits. Perhaps the most obvious is that you’ll be more comfortable and able to enjoy your time in the water. When you’re not worrying about staying afloat, you can relax and take in all the beauty that surrounds you.
Another big benefit of wearing a life vest is that it will keep you safe. If you get tired or run into trouble, you can easily float to safety. Life vests also provide extra warmth, which can be very helpful if you’re snorkeling in cooler waters.
In addition to all of these practical benefits, wearing a life vest can also be a great way to meet other snorkelers. People are often more likely to approach and strike up a conversation with someone who is wearing a life vest. So, if you’re looking to meet new people and make friends while snorkeling, donning a life vest is definitely the way to go!
How to Choose the Right Life Vest
A life vest is a crucial piece of safety gear, particularly if you’re planning on spending any time in the water. But with so many different types and styles of life vests on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of life vests and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Fit
One of the most important considerations when choosing a life jacket is fit. A life jacket that is too big or too small can be uncomfortable and may not provide the level of protection that you need. Most life jackets are available in a variety of sizes, so it is important to take the time to find one that fits well.
If you are buying a life jacket for a child, it is important to ensure that it is both comfortable and secure. Children’s life jackets should have adjustable straps that can be tightened as needed. It is also a good idea to choose a brightly colored life jacket so that your child will be easy to spot in the water.
Functionality
There are two primary types of life jackets available on the market, inflatable and foam. Each life jacket has its own set of pros and cons that you should take into consideration before making a purchase.
Foam Life Jackets: Foam life jackets are typically more comfortable than inflatable life jackets because they do not have any air chambers that can rub against your skin and cause discomfort. They are also usually more affordable than inflatable life jackets. However, foam life jackets can be more bulky and less breathable than inflatables, which can make them less comfortable to wear in warm climates.
Inflatable Life Jackets: Inflatable life jackets are usually more expensive than foam life jackets, but they offer a number of advantages. First, they are much more compact and easier to store than foam life jackets. Second, they are much more breathable, making them a better choice for snorkeling in warm water. Finally, inflatable life jackets provide a higher level of buoyancy than foam life jackets, which can be important if you find yourself in deep water.
Price
Of course, price is going to be a factor when you’re choosing a life vest. You can find them for as little as $20, but the more expensive models can cost upwards of $200. In general, you get what you pay for, so the cheaper models are usually not going to be as high quality as the more expensive ones. That being said, there are some great budget-friendly options out there if you know where to look.
When it comes to price, you also have to consider what you’re getting for your money. Some life vests come with additional features like pockets or whistles, while others are just the basic vest. It’s important to decide what features are important to you and factor that into your decision.
How to Use a Life Vest
A life vest is an important piece of safety equipment that can help keep you safe while snorkeling. Life vests provide buoyancy and help keep your head above water. They also provide some protection from the sun and can help you stay warm in the water.
Donning the Vest
Be sure you are in water deep enough to float before donning your life vest. You want to be able to focus on putting the vest on, not staying afloat. Inflatable vests can be put on like a jacket, but foam vests need to be pulled over your head.
First, hold the vest at the center and slip your arms through the holes or arm straps. If the vest has a belt, thread it through the loops on either side of the vest and cinch it tight. Next, buckle the zipper (if present) and then begin pulling the heavy-duty cord that circles the bottom of the vest. This will tighten up any loose fabric and create a snug fit. Some vests have two cords (a primary and a back-up) so be sure to pull both.
In the Water
Now that you have your life vest on, it’s time to get in the water! To do this, find an area where the water is waist-deep or shallower. Slowly step into the water until you’re wet from the waist down. If you have long hair, you may want to put it up in a bun or ponytail so it doesn’t get wet.
If the water is too deep to stand in, find a place where you can sit on the edge of the pool or beach. Then, scoot your way into the water until you’re wet from the waist down. Again, if you have long hair, you may want to put it up so it doesn’t get wet.
Once you’re in the water and wet from the waist down, slowly lean back and let your body float. If you need help floating, try kicking your legs and moving your arms slowly back and forth.
Removing the Vest
In the event that you find yourself in deep water and in need of help, it is important to know how to remove your life vest. While some vests come with a rip cord that can be pulled to release the vest, others may require you to cut the vest off with a knife.
If your vest does not have a rip cord, locate the two release buckles on the front of the vest. these buckles are usually located just below the shoulders. undo these buckles and then reach behind your head to locate the third buckle. this buckle is located at the base of your neck and is used to adjust the fit of the vest. once you have located this buckle, simply pull it apart to release the vest.
Conclusion
While a life vest is not required when snorkeling, it is recommended for those who are not strong swimmers or who are not comfortable in the water. Wearing a life vest will provide flotation and peace of mind in the event of an emergency.