One morning, my friends Jane and Mark called me to get ideas for a family snorkeling vacation. Mark had never put on a mask, but Jane had been snorkeling many times. Snorkeling with her brother and parents in the Greek Isles remains one of Jane's fondest memories, and she was eager to share a similar experience with her own family. I suggested the Virgin Islands, where abundant marine life thrives in warm tropical waters. After our phone conversation, they took their children - Jessie, 8, and Peter, 6 - to a local dive shop and outfitted them with gear.
"Peter learned to use his mask and snorkel in the tub before we tried the ocean, and it really helped," Jane says. On their trip, they had an amazing time together: "The four of us held hands, making a big circle with our heads in the middle, and floated over a huge school of tiny florescent fish. And it was really safe for the children. The only danger was not wanting to get out of the water."
Floating on the surface of a calm, clear, sea and watching fish dance between shimmering shafts of sunlight is a pleasure an entire family can enjoy together. Even those family members who cannot swim can snorkel with the help of a life preserver. By the time children are old enough to attend school, most are able to master snorkeling techniques. They key is to get out there! Get into the water with your family and friends, and enjoy all that rivers, lakes and oceans have to offer. Lifetime memories are created when we dare to go and discover...
- Post by Joel Simon, Founder & Owner of Sea for Yourself Snorkeling Safaris. Check out his site at www.seaforyourself.com.
We shipped out from the Long Beach harbor at 7am on Monday -- I, along with 40 Jr. Lifeguards and their instructors, pointed our noses toward Catalina on the "Great Escape" dive boat. From the moment I walked on board, I was taken in as one of their very own and enjoyed getting to know as many of them as possible.
HBLifeguard instructors Kathy and Rory were amazing people - we spoke of the importance of the program that was developed in 1963 for youth 9-17 years of age. "It provides so much," explained Kathy. "Kids need purpose, community and an outlet for their excess energy. I can't tell you how the program has bettered the lives of so many." Kathy, now a mother of four children, has been a part of the program since she was a teenager. Each summer she shares her love of the ocean and water safety. "I can't think of a better way to spend my summers," said Kathy with a smile on her face.
Rory is most impressed with how the youth progress over the 8 week program. "I see boys and girls come in out of shape, unenthusiastic about life and just plan blah," he explained. "And then as the weeks go by, their eyes are wide and they get into great shape. They really come alive...this is the best summer job in the world."
And for anyone who has doubts about the upcoming generation -- I'd like to quell your fears. The group was well-mannered, well versed and passionate about life. I spoke with many of them about their futures, their hopes for their careers and their love of being out in the ocean.
After about 2 1/2 hours on the open sea, Catalina came into view. We anchored about one football field off of the shore and the kids were more than ready to jump into the ocean. Kathy introduced me as part of CWIC and brought out masks and snorkels that our Founder and President Cindi Walters donated for the 2009 season. Kathy and I shared information on using a snorkel, clearing purge valves, attaching snorkel keepers and more. The kids then lined up to receive their own mask/snorkel combo...and they were off!
I jumped in with them and we roamed through huge kelp beds, discovered bright orange Garibaldi fish (California's official state fish) and other smaller varieties. A couple of the kids took it upon themselves to be my guide -- their kindness and willingness to take me in as one of their own was awesome! In the afternoon, we held fun filled competitions that inspired the kids to laugh, cheer and band together.
(Pic above: Kathy Sharing info on masks & snorkels)
After a long day in the water, we headed back to the mainland. The sun was shining and we were all in a content daze -- enjoying the salty breeze and the water lapping up against the sides of the boat as we cruised. I was so very thankful all the way home that I had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of the Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguard program. And I'd like to inspire parents around the world to consider getting your kids involved in a local Jr. Guard program! Seeing the Jr. Lifeguards in action drove home a major point: we as human beings need to reconnect with nature -- find community with others -- and get our bodies moving! True purpose & ultimate peace will follow...
Thank you HB Jr. Lifeguards for your kindness!!! And thank you to my sister Ann Engevik for taking beautiful photos of the event!
I have been working on the CWIC Customer Support Team for 4 years and am always asked great questions that may help other water enthusiasts better enjoy their adventures. Today I'd love to share some surrounding the use of snorkels, snorkel & dive masks and fins.
How do you use mask and snorkel purge valves?
To clear a mask purge valve, simply hold onto the mask firmly with your hands, tilt your head forward and exhale through your nose. Any water within your mask will exit the purge valve. A snorkel purge valve is cleared when you take a deep breath and blow with force. The water will then clear from the breathing passage.
How about a whistle built into a snorkel? A whistle is a notify feature built into many of today's snorkels. Our whistles are designed to be heard from over 200 feet away. To use them, you must rise to the surface of the water, remove the snorkel from your mouth and blow with force into the whistle.
How do you know if a pair of fins fit properly?
Finsshould fit snugly, yet allow for the free movement of your foot and ankle. There are many varieties to choose from, so make sure that you take the time to find a pair that is most comfortable for you.
Best way to keep a mask fog free? The best way to avoid a foggy mask is to first purchase a high-quality mask with tempered glass lenses. Secondly, when you bring your mask home wash with hot soapy water (some snorkelers like to use toothpaste as a cleaning agent). Finally, you can apply Body Glove anti-fog gel to your lenses on the day of your adventure. If you have questions that you would like for me to answer about snorkeling, swim gear, Learn-to-Swim equipment, and pool toys, please send them toinfo@destinationwater.com.
to use his mask and snorkel in the tub before we tried the ocean, and it really helped," Jane says. On their trip, they had an amazing time together: "The four of us held hands, making a big circle with our heads in the middle, and floated over a huge school of tiny florescent fish. And it was really safe for the children. The only danger was not wanting to get out of the water."
ryourself.com.
