It also includes a convenient security pocket to store small items, a feature which reviewers loved. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. You are not a strong swimmer, don't float easily, and for children, You have a heart attack or other health problem while in the water, You are stung by a jelly fish and are slightly paralyzed, You get stuck in a current and get exhausted, A bright colored vest is very visible from boats that could hit you, You don't want to get as tired treading water, You can use the belt and pockets for valuables, They give confidence and allow you to relax. This means one team member will stay on the surface while others can 'duck dive' underwater. Children's buddy teams should always have at least one adult present and supervising. Neither of us had ever snorkeled before and we wanted a little bit of extra protection. Even with a life jacket, things can still go wrong in the open ocean. Snorkel vests are not life jackets or life preservers. Generally, these do not ride up at all while snorkeling. The Scubapro Cruiser Vest is an excellent choice with high-quality materials and durable construction. Older models of snorkel vests often included CO2 inflators as well as oral inflation tubes. FAQs. While life jackets will keep you afloat, they are designed to hold your head out of the water and make it difficult to float comfortably on the waters surface with your face down. Make sure at least one adult is overseeing and supervising any children who are snorkeling or near the water's edge. They are USCG approved and wearers have had positive experiences when snorkeling. There are many life saving reasons to use a snorkel vest, and a number of other benefits as well. With a little practice, you will soon be floating on the sea's surface using a mask and snorkel, and enjoying a day around shallow coral island destinations enjoying the marine life creatures below. Home Diving Lessons Safety Tips Snorkeling for Beginners. We may earn a small commission on purchases made through them. The valve is easy to open and close, and only takes seconds to inflate or deflate. Most people do not inflate them, thinking they will use it if they need it. Children's Snorkeling VestsIn So, should a non-swimmer wear a snorkeling vest? Non swimmers can snorkel safely after becoming familiarized with the safety equipment and basic gear essentials. So, it will help to keep your body floating on top of the water. This is perfect if you want to dive to get a closer look at the marine life. Scuba Choice lists a minimum age of 18 months for the product, but most parents wait until their children are at least five or six years old before taking them snorkeling.2. Try to use a tour operator that caters for families and beginners. Your snorkel vest should provide a snug fit without restricting movement or riding up. Your weight is used to help figure out how much buoyancy is required to stay afloat. Wildhorn Outfitters Jetty is an adjustable vest made from durable premium materials suited to snorkeling, swimming and other low impact water sports. Since WildHorn recommends sizing up if your chest is the largest measurement of a given size, anyone with a 48 chest or larger will need a different product. If you do decide to buy a life jacket, the ONeill SuperLite Life Vests have great reviews on Amazon. Traveling snorkelers may prefer the low-cost Rrtizan vest, while frequent snorkelers can splurge on the high-quality Scubapro Cruiser. The Best Waterproof Bags & Cases for Snorkeling. Even so, there a several predisposing medical factors that increase the likelihood of suffering an illness or dying while snorkeling. While there are cheaper snorkel vests on the market, the WildHorn Jetty offers a good balance between comfort, durability, and cost. Youll likely need a separate life vest or PFD for most other activities. All Rights Reserved, The vests boat tours give you are worn out and leak, This Like other models, the Scubapro Cruisers oral inflator and dump valve on the front allow for easy flotation control in the water. Some of these have pockets for personal items. However, it doesnt offer the extra visibility that neon-colored vests provide. The Cruiser is more stylish than many snorkeling vests and is available in two high-visibility neon colorsbright yellow and orange. Honestly it would be safer for everyone to use one, because you never know what might happen. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Check the price at Wildhorn Outfitters Now. If youre planning a trip that involves snorkeling, its a good idea to have some swimming lessons and learn to swim first. When sized correctly and securely fastened, the vest should not ride up. If you feel any compulsion to use one, Furthermore, you want to feel comfortable wearing snorkeling equipment before heading into deep water. Our basic guide for novice snorkelers suggests, and strongly recommends, joining an organized tour for your first experience in open water. The Scubapro Snorkelling Vest is great for snorkeling, especially in the open ocean. We also offer our recommendation for a life jacket for snorkeling. How comfortable are these and do they 'ride up'? The vests mentioned in this article are more comfortable and far less bulky than many of the ones available for rent on tours (and sometimes, less smelly too). You could. This snorkel vest is designed to keep you upright and stable when in the water. There is also a slightly more expensive orange version at Amazon, with additional features like a whistle and front pocket to store personal items. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. These are very easy to put on, comfortable to wear and easy to inflate or deflate as needed. depending on the brand. So, these tips and practical advice will be helpful if you haven't snorkeled before. You may find that inflatable water wings or polystyrene noodle tubes work best for small children when they are splashing around in a swimming pool. Wildhorn Outfitters Jetty - How to pick the correct size, General Snorkel Vest Care and Maintenance. Some of these don't require a crotch strap. How Long Can You Stay Underwater with a Snorkel? Snorkelers, surfers, swimmers, and boaters wear personal and recreational flotation devices. A day of snorkelling for non swimmers may raise some safety concerns. You technically can wear a life jacket snorkeling, but a snorkel vest will provide you with a better experience. What Is a Snorkel Purge Valve & Are They Worth It? A mask, fins, and a snorkel is considered as being the least amount of gear needed to 'get your feet wet'. There is no substitute for owning customized, or personal quality, equipment. Sometimes the back fabric is a thin neoprene that ads warmth. If for any reason you need to rest or float on the surface, people generally turn over and float on their back, making the fluorescent front side of this vest very easy to see. Always wear a flotation device (PDF) and get some material protection from strong sunlight. strap you attach around your back and between your legs to secure it. take photos). The ScubaPro vest offers a good fit and is much more stylish than most other options available on the market. Although a lot of people can swim, swimming in the ocean can be a completely different beast, especially if you don't do it often. In this guide, well first take a look at why it isnt the best idea for a non-swimmer to snorkel at all, and taking a few swimming lessons is recommended. Make sure youre prepared for anything First Aid, Boat and Survival Kits, Compact and warm travel blankets better than sleeping bags, The Best Beach Bags, Totes, Coolers & Daypacks Top Trends this Season, The Best Travel & Holiday Accessories Youve Never Heard Of. Whenever a non-swimmer snorkels, its vital that they take the right safety precautions. second jacket type is less common. But great safety device to ensure you are safe while having fun. Non-swimmers are wise to limit their snorkeling to shallow water areas (e.g. This is great if youre a comfortable swimmer and just want some extra buoyancy, but if a non-swimmer finds themself in trouble, theyre going to want the vest to keep them upright with their head out of the water. The first time you go snorkeling might be a conflict of emotions. There are a ton of companies that make these, but the Scuba Choice snorkel vest is a good product that people like, at an affordable price. These snorkel vests will also protect your back from excessive sun exposure during long hours of snorkeling. Bottom line: The Jetty provides a comfortable, customizable fit that most people find is worth the extra money. If you want less buoyancy, unlock the valve and press down to let air out. Check out the fun, Ninja Shark Australia Full Face Snorkel Masks Range for Adults and Kids, New to Full Face Snorkel Masks? snorkel vest, lightly inflated, should turn you on to your back, and not directly down). the back. So, if your vest has a crotch strap, use it, and keep it snug enough. These are the top-rated vests currently available and both will assist with your buoyancy while snorkeling. Note: Wearing a snorkel vest around your waist 'upside down' can keep your body bobbing in a vertical position (e.g. With the Jetty you can be safe and look great at the same time. This blog post contains affiliate links from Amazon, which means we receive a small commission on any sales made via those links. Wondering how to take your Snorkeling to the next level? So, learners will most likely have a better experience in shallow, calm water conditions than those requiring you to have competent swimming skills. Even strong swimmers and experienced snorkelers can benefit from wearing one. type has an inflatable tube that goes around your neck, and it uses a To find your size, measure around the broadest part of your chest and refer to the size guide to determine whether you need small (30-36), medium (36-40), large (40-44), or x-large (44-48). It has a neoprene back, two big pockets with mesh drains and strap closures. All rights reserved. second jacket type is less common. Have a look at the best quality and most popular full face snorkel masks here. If you want to enjoy snorkeling then the next step is to invest in a full face mask. Snorkeler's Guide is reader-supported. According to Scubapros official size guide, the Cruiser vest comes in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL and fits waist sizes from 24 to 51.1 Most people find the vest to be the right length, but some tall users said it felt a few inches too short for their torsos. there are snorkeling related deaths weekly, and sometimes daily. Use a Regular Life Jacket?What about just wearing a normal boat PFD life jacket? You almost forget it is on. It's a game changer! The snorkel vests that are comfortable and will keep you safe. Thanks to the neoprene layer on the back, this vest helps protect the wearer from sunburn and provides extra warmth without negatively impacting comfort in warm water. Some of these have pockets for personal items. Its a Good Idea to Learn to Swim Before Snorkeling, Snorkeling Vests Are Not a Good Idea for Non-Swimmers, We Recommend a Life Jacket for Non-Swimmers. The Jetty is also more versatile than many snorkeling vests. There's a pocket for storing personal items. It's made from durable 420-Denier material with an EVA coating. A life jacket doesnt allow you to do this so you will struggle to get your whole face in the water. Our content is not influenced by commissions. The secure lock valve is positioned so you can adjust your buoyancy at any time. If your measurements fall between these sizes, then make sure you order the next size up. There is a downside to wearing a life jacket when snorkeling. Others mentioned that the neck area is a bit narrow and can cause some minor skin irritation. Check their sizing charts and read reviews to see if they run small or large. The waist and crotch straps are squeeze-style" side-release buckles. After several days I was only using a small amount of air but it was good to know that I had it in case of emergencies. If you do decide to snorkel as a non-swimmer, the rest of this post explains why its a good idea to wear a full life jacket and not just a snorkeling vest. I'm a very keensnorkeler, Scuba Diver, and Stand-up Paddle Boarder, and being lucky enough to live in the tropics means I get to do this for most of the year. Hopefully, youll find some really useful information so that your beach and holiday adventures stay fun, safe and enjoyable. In some swimming locations, snorkel vests are required by law for safety reasons. Make sure you avoid rough waters and strong currents and never swim alone. to make sure and buy one that fits them correctly. Use a Ski Belt or Water Noodle?Some people choose to wear a ski belt, which is basically a belt with built in flotation. Whether you go for the best overall WildHorn Jetty, budget-friendly Rrtizan, high-end Scubapro Cruiser, or kids size Scuba Choice vest at Amazon, your new vest should allow you to snorkel with ease on your next outing. The design of snorkel vests and swimming aids increases buoyancy. The vest is easy to inflate and deflate to the desired level using the oral inflator, although kids may need their parents help with this. But you want Rehearsing the skills of clearing water from the mask and snorkel while standing in knee-deep water is a great way to familiarize yourself with the equipment. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I can't recommend these highly enough. The human body is naturally buoyant - and especially so in salty sea water. Let me just say, it does EVERYTHING I want it to.". For more details about why snorkel vests are the best flotation devices for snorkeling, take a look at our article comparing snorkel vests and life jackets. When you snorkel, the idea is to lie flat with your face in the water. If you experience a problem that is a result of defect in materials or workmanship, Wildhorn Outfitters warrants your Jetty for the lifetime of the product and will repair or replace your vest at no charge. The short answer: No, it isnt a good idea for a non-swimmer to wear a snorkeling vest and they should wear a full life jacket instead. Practice slow, relaxed, breathing through the plastic snorkel tube with your face looking about a 45% angle ahead (i.e. The login page will open in a new tab. Snorkeling and swimming in 50 ft. deep water after being beaten down by a couple of waves can be tough. Or in a similar fashion, folks use a foam pool noodle for flotation. What you need to know before buying. For kids under 100 pounds, the Scuba Choice Youth Snorkel Vest is a quality option at an affordable price. What to find out more? But, because snorkeling flotation devices are meant to keep your head above water, you will be able to rest, save energy, and recover from any exhaustion. definitely get one. Proper sizing is crucial with snorkeling jackets since the zippered or velcro closures make them less adjustable than horse collar styles. Even competent swimmers can get tired. Stay close to the shoreline or support vessel, if you are snorkeling without knowing swimming, and nominate someone capable to supervise the group. I used it when traveling to the Caribbean. A large wave can still crash over your head and currents can move you around. This vest has a quality zipper on the left-hand side with a Velcro strap piece to keep the zipper closed and locked in position. The vest comes in a single size that fits children as young as about five years old and is brightly colored to provide excellent visibility in the water. If youre just looking for a snorkel vest to use a few times on vacation, youll probably be happier with the best all-around WildHorn Jetty or budget-friendly Rrtizan vest. Thanks to its quality materials, superior comfort, range of sizes, and value for money, the Jetty Inflatable Snorkel Vest from WildHorn Outfitters earned our pick as the best snorkel vest for most people. That's not a great idea because you rarely know when that will be. Do not leave it out in the sun for long periods. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This They worked perfectly and the fit and finish were superb. Well I cant agree more everybody needs a snorkeling vest, especially if youre a beginner, you put some great product, I due to purchase my new one, I definitely give it a try! This guide explains how to stay afloat and use the correct techniques and equipment. Large kids and teens may fit into adult models, but smaller children will need a specialized vest. It doesn't matter how good a swimmer you are - when you're wearing a snorkeling vest, it can give you that extra peace of mind, and make you feel more comfortable and relaxed in the water. With four different sizes available, this snorkel vest accommodates various body types and is suitable for teens and adults. The Best Water Shoes for Snorkeling (FAQs and Recommendations). It has been designed specifically to fit snugly around the waist so it doesn't ride up. Since snorkeling vests are specifically designed for snorkeling, they allow you to do this easily. In addition to snorkeling, WildHorn recommends their product as a flotation aid for low-impact water sports like stand up paddleboarding and swimming. strap you attach around your back and between your legs to secure it. We read snorkeling news from around the world, and You will most likely receive closer attention and proper in-water supervision. Here are the best swimming snorkels. If you need more buoyancy, blow air into the tube and continue adding air until you feel comfortable. If you are strong swimmer, and are not concerned about any health issues, then it may be fine to go without one. It should be an area where you can stand up if you get anxious or have breathing difficulties. The Jetty is not as compact as other models but is still easy to travel with and will support you on many snorkeling outings on holiday and at home. It fit better than the ones provided by the resort. There are basically two types to choose from, vests and jackets. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This vest comes in hi-viz fluro orange, and is available in a one-size-fits all for adults. It has a single sided entry point which makes it easy and quick to get on and off. There are also adjustable shoulder straps, which provide a more customized fit. For kids under 100 pounds, the Scuba Choice Youth Snorkel Vest is a quality option at an affordable price. For example, wearing a neoprene wetsuit can help you avoid many of the. (The Links below will take you to Amazon.). Snorkel vests, on the other hand, allow you to swim freely with your head in the water and easily view the marine life below. for social floating in a group). Even if you plan on booking a guided snorkeling tour on your vacation, its a good idea to come prepared with snorkel vests for your family. And they are bulky, making swimming more difficult. During a buddy system for snorkeling, two friends will swim around in the water, while a third member of the team will monitor from the shoreline or on board the boat. After comparing many different products, weve selected WildHorn Outfitters Jetty Inflatable Snorkel Vest at Amazon, as the best snorkeling vest overall. Even experienced swimmers and snorkelers wear snorkel vests, as it extends the time they can spend in the water without getting tired. Cruiser Diving Vest. Scubapro, https://scubapro.johnsonoutdoors.com/bcds/bcds/cruiser-diving-vest. Bottom line: Whether youre new to snorkeling and dont want to invest in expensive equipment, or youre just looking for a cheap snorkeling vest to use on vacation, this no-frills option from Rrtizan will keep you afloat and give you peace of mind in the water. As I mentioned earlier, when you snorkel, you ideally want to lie flat with your head in the water. BLACK FRIDAY / CYBER MONDAY SALES - USE CODE 'BFCM25' & SAVE 25% THIS WEEKEND! While jacket-style vests can be tricky to fit, this straightforward, one-size-fits-all vest is suitable for snorkelers weighing between 80 and 220 pounds. It's Worthless If It Rides UpNo matter what type of vest you get, you have to make sure it cannot ride up, because it becomes nearly worthless when it rides up high. WildHorn Outfitters Jetty Inflatable Snorkel Vest, https://www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/life-jacket-wear-wearing-your-life-jacket.php, https://scubapro.johnsonoutdoors.com/bcds/bcds/cruiser-diving-vest, https://www.subea.com/how-to-go-snorkeling-with-children, Top pick: WildHorn Outfitters Jetty Inflatable Snorkel Vest, Budget pick: Rrtizan Inflatable Snorkeling Vest, High-end pick: Scubapro Cruiser Skin Dive Safety Snorkel Vest, Childrens pick: Scuba Choice Youth Snorkel Vest, Life Jacket Wear / Wearing Your Life Jacket.. The vest fits very comfortably. Instead of straps, it has fabric on Most snorkel vests do not meet the US Coast Guard safety standards for boating or other water sports, such as water skiing and kayaking, and are not intended for life-saving or rescue purposes. Our top picks. A snorkel vest will help you stay afloat, especially if you become fatigued or distressed. Therefore, our final snorkeling tip for non swimming beginners relates to some general survival techniques, when in or around a body of water. When wearing a quality snorkel vest such as the Jetty, means that you dont have to fight to stay in the position you want, whether you are actively snorkeling or resting in the water. You can choose between two bright color optionsneon yellow or purpleboth of which increase your childs visibility in the water. As with all Neoprene products, you can place the vest in the sun to dry for short periods, but it should be stored for longer periods in a ventilated, shaded area. Please log in again. Its worth checking that there is somewhere nearby that rent out life jackets, but you shouldnt have a problem in any popular snorkeling destinations. With a little practice, snorkel vests will help control your buoyancy in the water. Body Bobber Neoprene Saddle (pictured below), Fins (also called flippers): You will use booties or thick socks with, Always snorkel in a group, and preferably one that has a high number of competent swimmers or someone experienced at. Finally, I offer a recommendation for a life jacket to use whilst snorkeling. Some reviewers cautioned that the straps are very long and recommended shortening them by tying a knot or using the supplied rubber bands. They have a large hook & loop secure pad as well as easy-access adjustable side and shoulder straps for a fully customized fit. Make sure it fits correctly for that purpose. , How to go snorkeling with children. Subea, https://www.subea.com/how-to-go-snorkeling-with-children. My wife and I bought 2 of these for our trip to Fiji. It is important to note that there are still dangers even if you wear a life jacket. The simple horse collar design includes an inflatable tube that goes over the head and a crotch strap and waist strap to keep the vest secure and prevent it from riding up. It uses a left side zipper and a neoprene back to keep it in place. Totally recommend this product to new and experienced snorkelers alike. 2022 OutsiderView. This is exactly what you want if you are a non-swimmer and get into trouble in the water. Plus the neoprene protects your back while facing down int he water from the sun. Warranty does not apply to damage resulting from impact, misuse, abuse, accident, negligence, or normal weather wear and tear. If youre planning to use your snorkel vest often and are willing to pay more for a premium product, this vest will provide you with superior comfort and durability. where they can stand up). The annual statistics for fatalities caused by snorkeling-related activities are relatively low - compared to many other sports.