Snorkelling Skills
This breathing technique should be used when snorkelling to conserve energy and maintain buoyancy.
slow, deep breathing through the snorkel
This hand signal is made by forming a circle with your thumb and index finger.
"OK" or "I'm alright"
This weather condition creates dangerous waves and poor visibility for snorkellers.
strong winds or storms
These transparent, bell-shaped creatures can deliver painful stings with their trailing tentacles.
jellyfish
This essential piece of equipment creates an air pocket around your eyes for clear underwater vision.
diving mask
Before entering the water, you should always perform this safety check on your mask to ensure proper fit.
checking for leaks by creating suction against your face
Pointing your thumb upward indicates this action to your snorkelling partner.
"going up" or "ascending to the surface"
Swimming in this type of water movement can quickly carry snorkellers away from shore.
rip currents or strong currents
This spiny marine animal can cause painful wounds if stepped on, and some species are venomous.
sea urchins
These foot attachments help propel you through the water more efficiently than swimming with bare feet.
fins or flippers
This swimming technique using only your fins helps maintain proper body position and reduces fatigue.
flutter kick
Waving your hand back and forth above your head signals this emergency situation.
"I need help"
This condition occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it in cold water.
hypothermia
These colourful, slow-moving fish have venomous spines that can cause severe pain and swelling
stonefish or lionfish
This safety device helps maintain buoyancy and can be inflated for emergency flotation.
snorkelling vest or buoyancy aid
When your snorkel fills with water, you should use this forceful technique to clear it.
blast clear method
Making a fist and moving it in a circular motion near your stomach indicates this problem.
"I feel sick" or nausea
Snorkelling alone increases the risk of this dangerous situation where no one can provide assistance.
drowning or medical emergency without help
This large marine animal, despite its fearsome reputation, rarely attacks humans but should be observed from a safe distance.
sharks
You should never snorkel without this essential safety practice involving another person.
buddy system or snorkelling with a partner
This advanced skill involves taking a breath and swimming down to explore underwater features while holding your breath.
duck diving or free diving
Placing your hand flat against your throat in a cutting motion means this urgent message.
"I'm out of air" or "I can't breathe"
This painful condition can occur when ascending too quickly from deep water, though it's more common in scuba diving.
decompression sickness or "the bends"
These small, brightly coloured octopi found in tide pools contain enough venom to kill an adult human within minutes.
blue-ringed octopus
This brightly coloured inflatable device marks your location and provides a rest point during long snorkelling sessions.
dive flag buoy or safety float