Even at the surface , you may need a cutting tool
sandals safely on a rock high above the waterline . They were not there upon my return . The rock was … but it had by then mysteriously submerged itself . I can only assume the Earth had sunk a bit .
Conversely , I once finned out past the shallow fringes of a Caribbean reef . The depth of water above the shallowest pieces of coral was so slight that only if I timed my movement with the swell could I swim over the reef without grazing it with my naked chest . I made it past the coral into the deeper water with myself , and more importantly the reef , intact . However , 30 minutes later those shallow corals were poking above the surface , and I was trapped on the outside . THE LESSON – whether by sorcery or science , the fact remains that seas go up and down .
Cut to the chase
I ’ ve mentioned my belief in always carrying a cutting tool on all dives , from snorkels to deep tech . I have been caught in fishing line a number of times although none could be consider near-death all had the potential to be dangerous if not dealt with . British waters can be especially bad for sub-surface commercial and recreational fishing debris , much of which is invisible until it ’ s wrapped around a wetsuited limb .
Whether you choose a line cutter , shears or traditional knife , make sure it works against fishing line and monofilament net . Some of the more impressively retro knives certainly look cool , and would be my choice if and when I ’ m fighting pirates , but are next to useless against thin , plastic line . THE LESSON – carrying the right tool for the job will save your life .
Spares and Repairs
One of the great advantages of snorkelling is the simplicity of the equipment . I have rarely lost a snorkelling dive to kit failure . The same cannot be said for those involving scuba regulators , BCDs , drysuits and rebreathers . It takes a lot for a snorkel to fail its pre-dive checks . However , mask , fin and snorkel straps can snap all too easily . So carrying a spare of each in your dive bag is worth a little investment . I don ’ t carry a spare snorkel strap , as I can stick it up inside my mask strap should it break . THE LESSON – a spare mask and fin strap ( if your fins have them ) should mean you never miss a dive .
Give up the Sun
Do not underestimate the power of the sun , even in British waters . It beats down unhindered by trees , buildings or a canopy , and its effects are compounded by its reflection from the surface of the sea . There ’ s good reason many avid snorkellers and freedivers I know have stories of painful sunburn .
As snorkellers we spend much of our time lying face down , so the backs of our necks , back and legs can be exposed to harsh rays . We ’ re usually in full body wetsuits , so this is not an issue but if you ’ re bold enough to go in just shorts , slap on some protection and be aware of its limitations .
A friend of mine , a professional freediving and snorkelling instructor , always wears a hood . Although she has a halo of thick , blonde hair , she still gets burned on her crown if she spends the day bobbing about vertically in the water , teaching in the Cornish summers . THE LESSON – don ’ t let tomorrow ’ s dive get cancelled because you didn ’ t protect yourself on today ’ s . �
For more information on snorkelling with BSAC go to bsac . com / snorkelling
Looking to introduce snokelling into your club ? Find out more at bsac . com / snorkellinginstructor
Wrecks present a variety of hazards 63