How safe is snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef?
How safe is snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef? Snorkeling Tips. Snorkeling is an extremely safe activity, especially if you take all of the correct precautions and listen to your own body whilst swimming. Below are some basic Great Barrier Reef snorkeling safety tips. Fitness.
Do you need to know how do you swim to snorkel in Great Barrier Reef?
The good news is ?No? you don't have to be an expert swimmer or an Olympic athlete to enjoy snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. In this blog, we will answer some questions and give some basic tips that will make planning your day on the Great Barrier Reef a lot easier.
What is the risk when snorkelling?
The sudden inhalation of water can cause coughing, uncontrolled breathing, laryngospasm (an involuntary spasm of the muscles that control the windpipe, or larynx), flooding of the lungs with water, or the development of cardiac arrhythmia — any of which can render a snorkeler unconscious and result in drowning.
When not to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is also prone to thunderstorms and the occasional cyclone. If you want reliably good underwater visibility, summer might not be the best time as rain and storms can cause the water to become murky. It's not all bad though.
Why is snorkeling bad for coral reefs?
Divers and snorkelers can unintentionally disturb sand sediments that often result in covering or smothering corals. Trampling of corals can occur on shallow, near-shore reef flats and has led to extensive damage in areas with high levels of human pressure and use.
Is the Great Barrier Reef still in danger?
Australia's Great Barrier Reef stays off UNESCO danger list, still under 'serious threat' | Reuters.
Is it common to see sharks while snorkeling?
Even though the chances of encountering a shark while snorkeling is quite slim, it's nonetheless important to know what to do if you are faced with such a situation. The tips mentioned above can help you avoid that danger so make sure to keep them in mind while exploring the coral reef.
What not to do at the Great Barrier Reef?
Take care when diving and snorkelling Be aware of where your fins are and avoid touching anything with them. Don't rest or stand on coral. If you must stand up, make sure it is on sand or use rest stations. Observe animals rather than handling them directly, and avoid blocking the path of free swimming animals.
When should you not snorkel?
Choppy waters are not ideal for snorkeling, especially; if you're not a proficient swimmer. Wavy waters will bounce you around, and you'll experience diminished underwater visibility because of increased moving debris and sand. Waves also influence the ease and safety of getting in and out of the waters.