Snorkling with Kids

[gbo200]

I am considering taking the growing family away this summer. My oldest is now 2.5 years old and loves the water.

I am wondering if any DB members have experience teaching thier kids how to snorkel and at what age can success reasonably be expected.

Any advice will be appreciated.

g.

 

[crusty]

GBO200
I have two small kids , my boy is now 5 but he started snorkling in the bath as soon as i find a snorkle small enoigh to fit in his yapper.
The best way i found is to get them blowing bubbles in the bath this get them comfortable with the water on face in mouth thing.
Then give them the Snorkle and mask and let them walk around the house with it on for a few days till the figure the whole breathing through a tube thing out.
Next get them to snorkle in the bath, its where they are most confortable and then they are ready for the ocean.
A little at a time is the best way.
I used a kids water ski jacket to help them float , way better than a life jacket or floatie because they can get their head back and float leavel in the water.
Once they start they wont stop my kids live for going snorkling and the ocean is a second home for them
Hope I have helped you a bit,

Crusty

 

[gbo200]

Thanks for that Crusty. Madz is already great in the water. She has been doing swim classes since six months. She is the only kid in the class who will go under water. I got her some speedo goggles and now she is under all the time! I bought her a kids mask last October for our trip to Turkey but it was still too big. I will have to give it a try again soon.

Cheers,
g.

 

[subaquaticus]

I am considering taking the growing family away this summer. My oldest is now 2.5 years old and loves the water.

I am wondering if any DB members have experience teaching thier kids how to snorkel and at what age can success reasonably be expected.

Any advice will be appreciated.

g.

Isn't it dangerous to put a snorkel in a young child's mouth ?

Isn't there a risk of drowning for them ???

 

[Bobco]

It not that hard to teach kids to snorkel, good controlled visual instruction + fun will work fine, all mine could snorkel by the time they were 3, having a nice warm clear ocean to swim in really helps though. Fear is a learned response, good teaching/instruction is about the passing over of skills such that they can control their actions and have fun.

Good luck with yours

Regards

Bobco