Dancing with the fish is an amazing experience, but there are some basic safety rules that must be respected.
If you can not swim, do not try to snorkel!
It is not that you can't put you feet in the water, but If you want to see more things you have to be sure in you swimming skills. The snorkeling is not a joke and if you go deeper, you should be aware of undercurrents and other hazards.
If this is your first time snorkeling, you can do a few lessons in shallow waters. You can learn under the guidance of a friend who is experienced, but if you do not have such, you can always sign up for a snorkeling course.
Do not dive alone!
No matter what a professional you think you are. Even the best divers drown. Leave the high esteem for some other time. It is mandatory to dive with a friend. So if you find yourself in a stream or there is other trouble, your friend will be able tohelp you. Most accidents happen to divers who dive on their own.
There is something else. You always have to specify the more experienced one of you as a leader. The leader must be listened - if he says "Get out of the water", you go out, if he makes a stop sign,you stop. No mumbling, no pretensions!
Forget about the fear.
In deeper waters your heart can beat fast and you can get the feeling that you sweat. It can be scary. When you're in deep waters do not let your fears to emerge. Even if you find yourself in an emergency - current, waves or you get a cramp, try to remain calm, breathe and take it easy. If you remain calm, everything will be fine.
Keep your energy. Plan so that you can return to shore without a problem.
When you are snorkeling you forget about the world and you may go far away in search of new or underwater landscapes, or trying to dive among a shoal of fish. There is a danger to hardly return to the place from which you started. It is important to have proper assessment of your physical endurance and to plan your dives so that you do not have to exhaust completely. If exhaust in the water, you become too weak to deal with underwater currents or cramps.
Get familiar with the place.
It is good to have preliminary information and plan. It will be much more interesting if you know what to look for. Also consider what kind of sea creatures you can see, what sights there are underwater - niches, caves and reefs. Ask locals or those who know the area in which you are diving, what possible dangers there are - currents, passing boats, jet skis or other. Ask yourself where are convenient approaches for entry into the water.
Dealings with marine life.
If you dive in Hanauma Bay, you must have one thing in mind. Most animals do not even think to eat you, but there are certain species that are poisonous, stinging and biting. So the best for you is just to watch and do not touch anything. Dealing with some fish, jellyfish from those who swim in the Pacific, can be fatal, if you try to touch them.
Beware of sea urchins.
Meeting with such a sea creature is not particularly pleasant.
In conclusion, you will enjoy the most wonderful experience that Hanauma Bay has to offer - to swim with the fish and feel the beauty and freedom of the underwater world. Just know these 3 things:
- 1. Follow the basic safety rules;
- 2. Have a clear idea of where you are heading;
- 3. Be aware of your physical and swimming abilities