Florida Keys Snorkeling - Tips
Following are a few tips to help make your next snorkeling trip more safe, enjoyable and environmentally friendly:
Many snorkeling areas have anchor buoys for tying your boat – this is to avoid your dropping anchor in a sensitive area. If you need to use your anchor for whatever reason, be sure that you are anchoring in sand and not grass or coral.
Always remember to wear plenty of waterproof sunscreen on areas like your neck, ears, back, shoulders, arms and back of your legs. The water is like a magnifying glass to your skin and because you are comfortable in the water, you may not feel the burn until it is too late. Wearing a white t-shirt is a good idea on especially hot days, but don’t think that is enough protection – you can still burn through your shirt if you are not wearing sunscreen.
Take off any jewelry before entering the water. Shiny objects have been known to attract fish such as barracuda – besides, you wouldn’t want to loose any valuable jewelry in the ocean.
Do not walk in the shallow water around the reef, as sea urchins have spines that can cause painful puncture wounds in the bottom of your feet. Even booties are not adequate protection if you were to step on one of these creatures.
If you are walking through shallow sandy areas, shuffle your feet as you walk. Stingrays lying on the bottom will swim away if they feel you, but if you accidentally step on them, you could be stung.
Remember - do not stick your hands into any holes in and around coral heads or at the rocky bottom – you could find yourself the unwilling recipient of a nasty sting or pinch from a crabby crab! While we are on that subject, keep your eye out for jellyfish and fire coral, both can be pretty irritating.
It is also very important that you are careful around coral. Coral is very fragile and can be killed just by your standing on it, brushing against it, or kicking up too much sand.
Reef Sharks are not usually found in areas that many snorkelers frequent, however if you are in a less traveled spot, or just happen to be lucky enough to see one, there is no need to panic. These sharks usually keep to themselves and tend to hang out near a ledge or grassy area. If you feel that one might be acting aggressively, just remain calm and leave the water.
Finally, the two most important rules to snorkeling or diving that you will hear time and again –
- Never enter the water without your Diver Down flag prominently displayed for other boaters to see.
- Never go it alone – Always dive with a buddy!
