snorkeling vest vs life jacket

A Type I PFD, the most buoyant jacket, will keep your face out of the water and is used for offshore swimming, where the danger is greatest. lol. You will also be provided personal flotation devices so you dont even need to buy your own. The majority of people that participate in snorkeling do not feel the need to wear any sort of personal safety gear, but others may feel the need to wear safety gear, and the first personal safety gear for the water that most people consider is a life jacket. Struggling to keep water out of your snorkel. Once you put it on and off more often youll get used to it. Many people, especially holidaymakers, do not take the safety aspect of snorkeling seriously enough, which is why there is a high rate of snorkeling-related accidents at many popular seaside holiday destinations. While all these reasons are valid concerns, and these people should wear a safety device when they are snorkeling, it is necessary to evaluate if a life jacket is the right piece of gear to wear in these circumstances. A complete beginner or non-swimmers should just wear a life jacket. Choosing the right vest can help you stay in the water longer with less effort and take your snorkeling trip to the next level. To begin our investigation, we will take a look at the reasons people feel the need to wear a life jacket for snorkeling. An inflatable vest often does the trick. They are somewhere between 15 an 20 bucks. It is up to you to judge your swimming capabilities. Non-swimmers and people who arent confident in the water can love the idea of snorkeling but remain hesitant to commit because of this problem. The latest articles, guides, and resources, sent to your inbox monthly. Snorkel Life Vests: Do You Need One? What Happens If You Run Out of Air While Scuba Diving. The vest should not ride up or restrict movement. Comparison of Rowing & Kayaking for Exercise. Do You Need to Know How to Swim to Snorkel? Obviously this depends on the age of a child, but not all kids are good swimmers. We explain more about how we started with our daughter and provide a good bunch of tips about vests and other gear. A life vests purpose is antithetical to what a snorkeler wants to do. Many companies that run snorkeling tours also expect all guests to wear one. They also often have a strap that connects between your legs to prevent the collar from riding up as you snorkel. They often lack power and are still in the process of learning. Pawlowicz, R. Key Physical Variables in the Ocean: Temperature, Salinity, and Density. Nature Education Knowledge, vol. Life jackets are more buoyant, designed to lift a swimmer's face and head out of the water to avoid drowning, often making snorkeling more difficult. Well also explore some other flotation options and recommend a couple of the best snorkel vests to make your next trip more enjoyable. That way, you can snorkel with a group, and ask the snorkeling instructor for assistance. Since snorkeling vests are not designed for rescue or life-saving purposes, most of them do not meet the US Coast Guard safety standards for boating or other water sports like kayaking and water skiing.2 Youll need a separate life vest or PFD if you plan on doing any of these activities. If youre afraid of these things happening to you, then just snorkel with a life jacket. Your email address will not be published. Even if you are a strong swimmer, snorkel vests improve safety in the event of an emergency, such as a medical issue, strong current, or a jellyfish sting. Snorkeling With Whale Sharks: What Is It Like? Better to stay safe and have difficulty snorkeling than be at risk of drowning.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'openwaterhq_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',121,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-leader-1-0')}; While I wouldnt consider a wetsuit a buoyancy aid since its primary purpose is to keep you warm, wetsuits help keep you afloat simply because of the air bubbles found in the neoprene material. Especially in the case of a snorkel vest, it will not get in your way as you can deflate it and dive deeper to truly enjoy the full snorkeling experience. They strap around the waist so that the snorkeling vest will not ride up, but envelops the torso. While its a sport that attracts many, it also involves swimming which can fill some with unease. The climate plays a big role for this hobby. For those less than confident a snorkeling vest is an ideal piece of kit. You can use a life jacket for safety when snorkeling, but it is not easy to use for this activity. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. In a way they do the same thing: Keeping you afloat. Floating might be easy for some of us, but if its not then youll be spending a lot of energy to stay afloat. For example, saltwater is denser than freshwater and therefore provides more buoyancy.1 In saltier water, a snorkeler may not need as much buoyancy aid from a vest and can choose to inflate it less. As an aside, we recommend your child take swimming lessons before snorkeling. While it is admirable to have safety in mind when participating in activities in the water, it can be problematic to use safety gear for a purpose that it was not intended for. Snorkeling vests are not actually made to act as life preservers in rescue situations and you should not rely on them for flotation, but rather as a swimming aid to give you rest as you tire from activity. Even though it is possible to use a life Jacket for snorkeling, we have established that this device may not always be the best choice or the right choice for most people. And since a life jackets primary purpose is to keep you afloat, if you try diving down you will have to exert significant energy fighting against it while diving down. However, they provide a lot of advantages that make snorkeling easier and safer. The design of the snorkel vest will allow you to swim face down in the water without you needing to put in much effort to stay afloat. Most snorkelers will struggle to keep their body in a prone, horizontal position while wearing a life jacket. Something they can wear around their neck and thats easy for transportation. Many people find this type of vest cooler than the bulkier ones. Snorkel vests are personal flotation devices designed specifically with snorkeling in mind. While snorkeling can be done along the surface of the water, there is another aspect of it that youre missing out on if you cant dive down. Definitely worth a read. While snorkeling, you should consider your swimming ability, location and ease of rescue to best determine which device is right for you. A life jackets intention is to keep your head above water, so you will constantly be fighting the lifejacket when you snorkel. Wearing one makes you more visible to passing boats and to the guide boat if you are snorkeling with a tour company. Unlike life jackets, snorkel vests dont restrict freedom of movement and will allow you to swim and explore without feeling inhibited by your PFD. Think about safety first, even if it gets in the way of your enjoyment. Hi everyone, going to Hawaii and do some snorkeling, planing to buy a vest before going. These devices function differently and hold unique advantages. Remember: Snorkeling is fun but also risky if you dont pay attention! Some users complain that their snorkel vest rides up all of the time, aggravating their armpits and neck. Ourguide about finswill help you out in case youd like to learn more. This tendency of a life jacket to want to orient you vertically in the water or slightly on your back makes it difficult to use this device when snorkeling. They will help keep your face out of the water but are not made to do so and are mainly used as flotation aids. Additionally, most foam life jackets have a fixed buoyancy rating, whereas snorkel vests offer flexible buoyancy based on the wearers needs and preferences. You dont need to be a good swimmer, but some basic drown proof training is a really good idea. They are approved by the United States Coast Guard as life-saving personal flotation devices and will keep your face out of the water even if youre unconscious. This easily adjustable flotation control makes snorkel vests more versatile in the water than most life jackets and better suited to a variety of conditions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you are ever caught in a bad situation, youll be glad you decided to wear a life jacket.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'openwaterhq_com-box-4','ezslot_5',118,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-box-4-0')}; Beginner snorkelers sometimes make the mistake of snorkeling for too long, heading out too far from land or their boat and running out of energy. People who experience sunburns easily (especially on their backs while swimming) could find a vest helpful. One way to safely snorkel is to do it as part of a tour. If you make a purchase through links from this website, we may get a small share of the sale from Amazon and other affiliate programs. Strong ones must be avoided anyways. Should I Buy or Rent Scuba Gear As a Beginner. When you are snorkeling, you want to keep your head in the water to see whats below the waters surface. You can also get one separately and securely attach it. If you are looking for snorkeling gear we have a huge list of lists to help you find just the right snorkeling gear to get you up and moving, check it out here! There is also a mechanism to quickly deflate the vest in case you want to dive beneath the surface. So lets say you get tired or you have a panic attack, the vest will make sure your mouth is able to breathe. You as a parent are responsible. The normal snorkeling position is face-down in the water, which is the typical drowning position that a life jacket is attempting to prevent. Strong swimmers sometimes prefer to snorkel without using any kind of flotation assistance. This saves your energy and adds to your safety. Besides personal preferences it also depends on your swimming skills, your condition or the climate. A snorkel vest gives the wearer additional buoyancy without trying to constantly lift your head out of the water and turn you onto your back. Theres nothing difficult about snorkeling, even good swimmers do the same steps. Some of his work has appeared in "Writers' Journal," "Outside Magazine" and various online publications. Because of their construction, life jackets are bulkier than snorkel vests and make it difficult to float comfortably on the waters surface with your face down. https://conquerthewater.com/author/MattM/, Putting On A Snorkeling Mask - Why A Few Simple Rules Matter. You can inflate the vest to your own preferences, which makes it an enjoyable product for most of us. Only an expert swimmer would be able to do it, and they wouldnt need a life jacket in the first place anyways. Anyone with back injuries, other musculoskeletal problems, or a medical condition that could cause them to get tired quickly should wear a snorkeling vest even if they are not required. Tip: If the ocean contains a lot of salt, likesnorkeling in Egypt(in the Red Sea), floating will be easier. Most companies provide guests with snorkel gear including vests on their tours; however, the vests are usually cheap and uncomfortable, and youll be much happier with your own. It all depends on the material. Join us on our snorkel and mantaray tours for the experience of a lifetime! The style features adjustable straps, including a waist strap and crotch strap, to hold the vest in place and prevent it from riding up. If you are not confident in the water, this is a more common situation than most may think. Always check the manufacturers size guide and get advice from an expert when possible. Snorkeling is a popular activity for holidaymakers because it allows them to explore the water and nature beneath the surface without too much effort or strong swimming capability needed. These fins have some buoyancy as well which assists to maintain that horizontal flotation. You will find it difficult to swim, let alone snorkel. While the compact design makes horse collar vests more convenient for travel, it offers little protection from the elements. Just not sure what to buy. That means that someone wearing a wetsuit would float more easily than someone without it. Youll end up making all kinds of movements that quickly exhaust you. Sometimes the terminology is not clear, and you may have heard about people wearing snorkeling life vests when they go out into the water. A life jacket is intended to be an emergency life-saving device for people in distress in the water. Keep in mind that while snorkel vests are an excellent choice for their intended use, they may not be suitable for other activities youre planning as part of your snorkeling trip. There are many ways to get people started, however, a life vest will do the trick for most of us. In case there are a few slow or weak currents, a vest will help you out. All you really need to know is how to float, breathe through the snorkel, and kick. Its important to not become tired when you explore the underwater world. No fancy strokes, just breathe and kick. However, most snorkelers will do just fine with just a snorkel vest or ski belt as their flotation device.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'openwaterhq_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',137,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; Above all, the life jackets goal is to keep your head above water. This being said, always do your own research about the climate. This alternative is usually a product thats easier to carry and thats less noticeable. New versions are made from durable nylon in a perfect ergonomic design. They arent designed as lifesavers, as your head isnt supported above water, but they will help a snorkeler who isnt confident with their swimming ability to snorkel. Having a small pocket allows you to store a few waterproof belongings in case you dont have awaterproof bag or case. As a result, they are not as well-suited for snorkeling as designated vests. Some people combine snorkeling with fins. While it is possible to use a life jacket for snorkeling, most people would find it a hindrance to the activity rather than a benefit. A current can increase and take you to a place where youre not heading out to. Snorkel vest vs. life jacket: how are they different? Once we know the reasons, we can find alternative safety gear that is better suited to snorkeling than a life jacket. Dont worry, you can inflate it again with just a few breaths using the plastic tube that connects to the air bladder of the vest. Marine life can be observed in the open ocean with stunning underwater terrain, all surrounded by a tropical paradise. Whether youre an experienced snorkeler or new to this exciting activity, wearing the right flotation device can make a snorkeling outing safer, more relaxing, and more comfortable. In order to do that, it will keep your body vertical when you want to be horizontal for snorkeling. A life jacket is generally intended to be used as a safety device if someone falls out of a boat or finds themselves in the water. Just make sure that you purchase a device with a high enough weight rating and that it securely fits your child.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'openwaterhq_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',119,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-banner-1-0')}; You dont need to be a good swimmer to snorkel. That is why we recommend you wear a flotation device. Their purpose is to save your life, not just keep you buoyant. Being safety conscious should be combined with using the right safety gear for the activity rather than use a device that was intended for another purpose. First of all they are designed to keep your head above sea level. A Beginners Guide. Snorkeling has such an attraction though, that many want to overcome their hesitation and give it a go. Even though you could in fact buy a black one, there are some bright neon options for you as well. Even competent swimmers can tire in the water and should consider wearing a flotation device or swimming aid. Another safety advantage is their appealing color. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. A snorkel vest is intended to make snorkeling easier; it is not designed to prevent drowning. However, some of them are more comfortable for snorkelers and are also known as snorkel vests. You might want to consider getting one if you find yourself getting cold in addition to any floating issues. If you relax on the surface the snorkeling vest will help you float and prevent you from going beneath the surface. Anyone got experience Procrastinating? So just debating between snorkeling vest vs life vest. This causes them to panic which only worsens the situation. Because the type of people who become involved in snorkeling is so diverse, and many holidaymakers are participating in snorkeling for the first time, safety during this activity is a concern. Anywhere you want to go in the water, just kick your legs to get there. How to Make It Safer and Easier, Is Snorkeling Scary? What are the Risks of Drowning when Snorkeling? Personally, we recommend wearing a snorkel vest or flotation belt as your flotation device. Unfortunately, you wont be able to dive underwater if youre wearing a life jacket. Is Scuba Diving in Freshwater Different from Saltwater? In case of an emergency youll grab more attention. In case you are an experienced snorkeler and you want to enter some slow currents, make sure to wear a life vest. After all, you will conserve a lot of energy when you barely need to spend any to stay afloat.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'openwaterhq_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',120,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-openwaterhq_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; If you are a bearded snorkeler and find that water keeps entering your mask, check out our guide on snorkel masks for beards as well as tips on how to keep water out. The blow air valve is easily accessible to make adjustments as you go. Some people find them uncomfortable whilst others have no problems. In this article, we will discuss how a life vest should be used, what the differences are between a life vest and other snorkeling flotation devices such as a snorkel vest, and how you can properly use these tools to stay safe while snorkeling. Wear a life jacket if it gives you the confidence you need. Should You Bring Snorkeling Kit For A Cruise? Even though you can still enjoysnorkeling in the rain, always avoid strong currents. Doing so will allow you to dive beneath the surface faster and more efficiently and get a better view of marine life. This would still be the domain of the life jacket. Nick Davidson lives in Santa Fe and has been a writer and editor for over six years. Or the currents get too strong and they are swept away. Holiday Snorkeling - Is Previous Practice Required? Some vests, also known as snorkel vests, have the ability to keep your head above water whilst allowing a more horizontal position. They have enough buoyancy within to keep a non-swimmer on the surface. Depending on what size you buy, snorkel vests can support anywhere from 80 pounds on the lower end to over 200 pounds for extra large vests. In order to explain exactly whats out there, lets take a look at the so called snorkel vests. Pay extra attention to the waist measurement - a snug fit around the waist will prevent the jacket from riding up. I'm Matt. A snorkel vest is an inflatable garment that is worn around the torso to aid buoyancy. Snorkel Planet on some tips for using snorkel life vests. Finding it hard to tread water due to old age, a physical disability, or lack of experience. Thus, snorkeling with a life vest will prove to be difficult. It is a good mindset to have to always be safety conscious when you are involved in activities in the water. At the very least, with a personal flotation device, you can literally snorkel for hours on the surface. You should also check out our list of snorkeling equipment to help you find more products that can help you with snorkeling. Is a life jacket a good choice of safety gear for snorkeling? True life vests are ones that youll find on boats or cruise ships. BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY! Types II and III PFDs have less buoyancy than Type I and mostly used for swimming near shore. For weaker or beginning swimmers or snorkelers farther off shore, a Type II or Type III PFD might be the better choice for their greater buoyancy while still allowing freer movement for snorkeling. Snorkeling vests are smaller than life jackets and inflatable, whereas life jackets are typically foam. In contrast to scuba diving and freediving, snorkeling prioritizes staying afloat. They are easier to store and travel with. A snorkel vest will, however, make it easier for you to snorkel with less effort and fewer problems staying on top of the water. A snorkel vest is a better personal floatation device for snorkeling than a life jacket. The dangers must never be forgotten. All rights reserved. Rebecca lives next to the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, where she guides kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours. You may see some snorkeling vests made of foam, but most will be inflatable. While it is possible to use a life jacket, you will constantly be fighting the life jacket to get into the snorkeling position. As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases made on waterdiversions.com. Any water activity has the potential to be dangerous. Life preservers arent great for snorkeling because they are designed to turn an unconscious person onto their back and hold their face out of the water, but if you truly cant swim at all its the best choice. Jackets are better for non-swimmers since they offer additional support and comfort. A snorkel vest allows a non-swimmer to try snorkeling without fear. It is important to note that a snorkel vest is not a life jacket and is therefore not the right floatation device to use for an emergency. A strap around your waist is important in order to fixate it correctly. How Do You Snorkel Safely And Successfully As A Beginner? , Life Jacket Wear / Wearing Your Life Jacket. USCG Boating, uscgboating.org. Many of the sizes are based on weight since this measurement determines how much buoyancy is required to keep you afloat. Currentscan be very dangerous. Even though a life vest usually doesnt cover the entire body, its partially a sun blocker. However, they are not designed with snorkeling in mind and dont facilitate proper body positioning as well as snorkel vests do. The additional coverage means this style is bulkier than the more common horse collar vests, but they do provide more storage in the form of pockets or rings to hold other items and equipment. Overall, snorkel vests are significantly more comfortable for snorkeling than life jackets. Since snorkelers dont always find the typical life vest comfortable enough and even a bit bulky, they opt for an alternative. Snorkel vests are often cheaper than life vests. They are both designed to keep a human body on the surface, so to the uninitiated, they seem similar. Any non swimmer had good experience with the inflatable snorkeling vest? Discovering new things and exploring the ocean wildlife has become an increasingly popular pastime. Snorkeling is one of those activities that almost everyone wants to try. They are easily inflated or deflated, even while out in the water. Therefore, yes, a vest can really be of big importance. 3 reasons why we Snagged this awesome aran sweater for $3.50 today! (Snorkel Size Explained). From swimming to diving I've tried most things, including delivering yachts. Because of this intention for life jackets, most of them are designed to automatically try to orient the person wearing them in a near-vertical position or even slightly on their backs. When you just want to snorkel along the surface, keep it fully inflated. I am going to maui and most of the snorkeling would be self guided. If you get one with shoulder pads for example, yes, itll feel much nicer. Rrtizan Unisex Adult Size Inflatable Snorkeling Vest, Scubapro Cruiser Snorkel Vest for Men and Women. As such they are more unsuitable for snorkeling as they are quite obtrusive. This means that you can adjust them for more or less buoyancy, depending on your needs. A better snorkeling assistance device would be a snorkeling vest. Make sure the conditions are ideal in the area where youll be snorkeling - warm water, no waves, and no strong current. Even though most people float naturally when they take a deep breath, for some this is not exactly easy. Should Kids Wear a Life Jacket when Snorkeling? In this role, they may have to keep a weak or even unconscious person floating in the water and, more importantly, keep their heads above the water. What Types of Environments Can I Scuba Dive In? Do you have an opportunity to take a few swim lessons and/or time in a pool before your trip? Not only for lifeguards but also for surrounding swimmers or snorkelers. While wearing a life jacket, you may have to kick constantly to keep your head below water to enjoy the sights that the sea offers you underneath the water. The snorkeling vest is an aid, not a lifesaver. Some snorkel vests include a thin neoprene layer on the back. Snorkel vests are crucial for non-swimmers and strongly recommended for those new to snorkeling. All of this is easier to do if youre not afraid. There are many different kinds of vests or jackets designed to keep you afloat. Life vests have a couple of safety advantages. The more noise youre able to make, the higher your chances of being rescued. I can lie on my back and float for a while without any fins or vests in the swiming pool.lol. One option people hear about is a snorkeling vest, which seems ideal, but what is a snorkel vest? If you want to stay as safe as possible, then snorkel with a life jacket. A life vest is not always necessary for snorkeling. Inflatable snorkel vests come equipped with a mouthpiece that allows you to blow air through a one-way valve to inflate the vest. Furthermore, it has large, bulky pieces of foam around the chest that cause massive amounts of drag in the water. If safety is your number one priority, you can try to snorkel with a life jacket even if it inconveniences you. Safety always comes first so lets start with that. On top of that, they get in the way if you are trying to look down. Since this is a broad topic with loads of different things to understand, feel free to read ourgiant guide for snorkeling with kids. Since many of these flotation devices are not attached to you, they are easier to lose in the water and offer less protection. By doing so you have more control over the buoyancy. Now that you know why snorkel vests are superior to life jackets when it comes to snorkeling, lets go over how to choose the right vest for your needs. The most common type of snorkeling vest is the horse collar. Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved.

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