How to Teach Your Child to Snorkel

Teaching a child to snorkel is a stepwise process: water comfort → mask & snorkel skills → in-water practice → supervised snorkeling trips. Patience and short sessions win.

Step 0 — Pre-skills (pool time)

• Make sure your child is comfortable in water — blow bubbles, float on back.

• Practice holding breath and submerging face briefly.

Step 1 — Mask skills on land

• Teach how to put on the mask, adjust strap.

• Demonstrate the seal test (press mask to face, breathe in through nose).

• Show how to clear fog with spit or defog.

Step 2 — Snorkel breathing on land & pool

• Let child breathe through snorkel while standing, then seated at pool edge.

• Practice with snorkel held in mouth, head above water.

Step 3 — Mask clearing & snorkel purge

• In waist-deep water, practice filling mask with a little water then lifting head and exhaling through nose to clear.

• Practice clearing the snorkel using a purge valve or forceful exhale.

Step 4 — Floating & kicking with fins

• Use floatation aid if needed. Teach gentle flutter kick, keeping legs straight but relaxed.

• Stay horizontal; hands can be at sides.

Step 5 — Short supervised swims in calm water

• Start in a calm bay or protected cove. Keep sessions 10–20 minutes initially.

• Use close adult supervision, maintain visual contact and physical proximity.

Step 6 — Teach safety habits

• Buddy system, stay within depth limits, identify safe exit points.

• Teach hand signals (thumbs up = return, tap head = need help).

• Respect marine life — no touching or chasing animals.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Fogging: Use defog or spit; rinse mask in water.

• Water in snorkel: Practice purge and turning head slightly to expel.

• Panic: Stop, remove mask, calm down, float on back, breathe slowly.

Keep lessons short, positive, and fun. Celebrate small wins. Over time, your child will gain confidence and you’ll both enjoy many family snorkeling adventures.