8 Safety Tips for First-Time Snorkeling

Snorkeling in Hawaiʻi is one of the most rewarding experiences you'll have while visiting the islands. There is a whole underwater world to explore with neon coral reefs and hundreds of different fish species. Keep yourself safe with these 8 safety tips.

Basic ocean and snorkeling safety

1. Read the signs. Lifeguards will post beach warning signs to inform beachgoers of any hazardous conditions. These signs will give you any number of cautions, including unsafe swimming conditions and high surf advisories. If wave height is over three feet, don’t go out. Currents will be too strong to snorkel safely and visibility will be impaired.

2. Prep on the beach. Adjust your face mask before entering the water.

3. Avoid shallow reef areas. The coral is sharp and can cut you. If you start swimming too close, gently back away and stay parallel to the coral with your legs. Touching coral also introduces harmful bacteria that can kill it.

4. Watch for rip tide currents when entering and exiting the water. Strong trade winds can also increase the ocean’s current.

5. Stay where its safe. Avoid swimming past the reef into the open ocean.

6. Go with a buddy. There is safety in numbers.

7. Don’t feed the fish. It can disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem.

8. Identify locations of lifeguard towers. If you are stung by a Portuguese Man-o-war or Box jellyfish, which are occasionally present in Hawaiʻi's waters, rinse the sting with vinegar and hot water (not plain water or alcohol) and remove the tentacles from the skin. Seek medical attention if you have a severe reaction. If you are on Oʻahu's South Shore, check the Waikīkī Aquariumʻs Box Jellyfish Calendar before you go out. It will tell you when these jellyfish are likely to be in the water.

When it comes to snorkeling, going out early in the day during calmer ocean conditions will give you better visibility. Remember, ocean conditions can change at any moment it is important to always proceed with caution and stick to calm waters. Where possible, swim at lifeguarded beaches and never turn your back on the ocean. “If in doubt, don’t go out!” Safe Beach Day posts current weather, surf and beach conditions for all Hawaiʻi beaches.

Last, but not least...

Don't touch monk seals or sea turtles

• Touching places stress on these species and introduces harmful human bacteria.

• Sea Turtles and Hawaiian Monk Seals are both endangered species protected under the Endangered Species Act. The Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement requires people to stay 150 feet away from the monk seals and 10 feet away from sea turtles. Touching either of them places stress on these species, is illegal under Hawaiʻi state and federal law may result in substantial fines and penalties under Hawaiʻi state and U.S. federal law.

Mahalo for staying safe. Happy snorkeling!

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