Lesson 1

Snorkeling
MELC: Demonstrates proper etiquette and safety in the use of facilities and equipment.
PEH12FH-Ia-t-12 Week 3-4 (Snorkeling)
Objectives:
1. Define Snorkeling as an outdoor recreational activity.
2. Identify the basic types of equipment in Snorkeling
3. Demonstrate proper etiquette and safety in the use of Snorkeling basic

Let’s Try
equipment

Directions: Read each item carefully. Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on the space before
the number.
1. Which of the following activities allows people to see life underneath water by swimming with
the aid of a snorkel and mask?
A. Canoeing C. Scuba Diving
B. Kayaking D. Snorkeling

2. Which of the following snorkeling equipment helps you to breathe while snorkeling without raising
your head out of the water?
A. Mask C. Snorkling fins
B. Snorkel D. Swimming cap

3. Which of the following snorkeling equipment help conserve more energy and allow the snorkeler to
reach further distances?
A. Mask C. Snorkling fins
B. Snorkel D. Swimming cap

4. What snorkeling equipment serves as a viewing device in appreciating the underwater

world?
A. Mask C. Snorkling fins
B. Snorkel D. Swimming cap
5. What snorkeling equipment helps in keeping hair out of the snorkel and your face?
A. Mask C. Snorkling fins
B. Snorkel D. Swimming cap
6. Which of the following equipment helps to prevent jellyfish sting protection?
A. Mask C. Skin Protection
B. Mask defogger D. Snorkeling vests

7. Which of the following parts of snorkel works as a round, thin piece of silicone that drains water from
the tube without letting any in?
A. Dry top C. Purge valve
B. Mouthpiece D. Snorkel keeper

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 8. The following are etiquette and safety in the use of snorkel, EXCEPT.
A. Check the mouthpiece for wear and tear along the bite tab.
B. Do not balance on the tips of the fins while in shallow water.
C. Frequent checks for holes or tears in the valve.
D. Thorough cleaning of the seal when rinsing to remove any stray grains of sand.

9. What will you do to keep the snorkeling apparatus in good shape?

A. Dry it in direct sunlight
B. Place it beneath heavy objects
C. Store it in a box without cover
D. Rinse your mask, snorkel, and fins in fresh water to remove any sand or salt crystals

10. Which of the following is the priming process?

A. Check the mouthpiece for wear and tear along the bite tab.
B. Do not balance on the tips of the fins while in shallow water.
C. Thorough cleaning of the seal when rinsing to remove any stray grains of sand.
D. Use your fingers and any brand of toothpaste to swab the lens area clean of manufacturing films.

Let’s Explore and Discover

One of the best but simple ways to see, discover and appreciate the Unlocking of
intriguing underwater life is through snorkeling. It allows one not only Difficulties
to grasp the amazing beauty of marine life but swim with them as well.
Etiquette – the rules
What is Snorkeling? indicating the proper and polite
way to behave.
Snorkeling allows people to see the life underneath water by swimming with
the aid of a snorkel and mask. Through snorkeling, one can observe the Gnash - to strike or grind(as
amazing underwater attractions without the need to constantly resurface the teeth) together
to gasp for air, and with relatively lesser effort. It is not only used
for recreational
purposes. It has also been used in different water activities such as underwater hockey, underwater rugby, and
spearfishing and also used in a water-based search by rescue teams in the time of emergencies.
Like any other outdoor activity, snorkeling helps develop the overall fitness of an individual. Aside from
having fun under the water swimming, enjoying the amazing view underwater, doing the flutter kick and
diving tones, and trims the body. Snorkeling develops a lot in our body especially in building greater
lung capacity as one is forced to hold breath underwater for sustained periods. It is a good cardiovascular
workout as it increases heart rate and strengthens the heart muscle. It also develops the quadriceps,
hamstrings, calves, ankles, hip flexors, core muscles, and shoulders while swimming.

What are the basic types of equipment in Snorkeling?

A. Mask
One of the most important snorkel gear that serves as a viewing device in appreciating the world beneath the
water. Without the mask, you would see only a blurry image underwater. The airspace created in the
mask is what helps in seeing underwater.

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B. Snorkel
The snorkel is a piece of equipment that makes it possible to breathe while snorkeling without raising your
head out of the water. It is composed of a tube, also called the barrel, and a mouthpiece to help you
breathe. The tube end sticks out of the water while the mouthpiece goes in the mouth. The snorkel also
has a slip so it can be attached to the mask.
C. Snorkeling Fins
Snorkeling fins makes swimming efficient. It provides the necessary locomotion to propel effortlessly in the
water and helps to easily navigate between coral reefs and shallow water. Using fins conserve more
energy and allow the snorkeler to reach further distances. It also helps protect the feet from accidental
contact with rocks and corals.
D. Snorkel Vests
Snorkel vests are not equivalent and should never be used as a substitute for a life vest. These are small and
inflatable, which help while floating on water. This will help in consuming less energy in moving
around.
E. Skin Protection
To protect the skin from the heat of the sun, choose a reef-friendly sunscreen, which biodegrades in water or
a better choice will be wearing a long sleeve rash guard. The shirt may also provide jellyfish sting
protection. That way you won’t be damaging the reefs you’re there to see.
F. Swimming Cap
The swim cap helps in keeping hair out of your face and the snorkel. It also prevents the scalp from burning
on a sunny day.
G. Mask Defogger
Mask defogger helps prevent the mask from fogging up. When choosing it, be sure to choose one that is non-
toxic, biodegradable, and alcohol-free for one’s protection and the protection of marine life.
(Source: “Ten Things to Take on Your Snorkeling Adventure”, World Wildlife Fund, Good Nature Travel,
accessed: February 9, 2021, https://www.worldwildlife.org/blogs/good-nature- travel/posts/ten-things-to-take-on-
your-snorkeling-adventure)

Proper etiquette and safety in the use of Snorkeling basic equipment:

To keep all your snorkeling apparatus in good shape, rinse your mask, snorkel, and fins in fresh water to
remove any sand or salt crystals. The sun can melt common materials used in snorkeling gear. Keep all
equipment out of direct sunlight by drying it in shade after each use. If storing snorkeling equipment in a
car, cover it with a towel or keep it away from windows. Learn the specifics of caring for each part of
your snorkeling equipment below:

Mask- The more well-maintained your mask stays, the better viewing of underwater life you will gain from
each snorkeling expedition.

 Before using a new mask, use your fingers and any brand of toothpaste to swab the lens area clean of
manufacturing films. Repeat the process at least twice before the first use, and every so often to clear out
occasional residue buildup. This process is known as priming, and it keeps the lens from fogging up
with the use of anti-fog products.
 Rinse in freshwater after each use and add mild soap or detergent every so often to prevent discoloration
and deterioration of the silicone.
 Use a small amount of dish detergent and your fingers to clean the “skirt of your mask--the
part that rests against your face and seals out water. This cleans off any lotions or body oils that could
deteriorate or discolor the mask.
 Consider storing in a protective box or case to prevent scuff marks.

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Snorkel - it contains several specific parts. While the breathing tube itself happens to be the easiest
component to maintain, its smaller segments require more intensive cleaning. The tube is quickly
cleaned with a freshwater rinse after use in salty or chlorinated water. The snorkel's other pieces--the
mouthpiece, purge valve, snorkel keeper, and dry top require a more attentive wash.

Mouthpiece: Mouthpieces are typically made from a soft, silicone material that rests comfortably
between the teeth. All of them have “bite tabs that allow you to hold the snorkel in place.
Though it requires no special cleaning beyond a freshwater bath like the rest of the snorkel, remember
to:

 Not bite down too hard or gnash your teeth while wearing the snorkel.
 Check the mouthpiece for wear and tear along the bite tab.

Purge Valve: Many newer snorkel designs include a purge valve to simplify removing water from the tube.
A purge valve works as a round, thin piece of silicone that drains water from the tube without letting any
in. If it breaks, it will cause water to leak inside. Upkeep your purge valve with:

 Freshwater washes after each use.

 Frequent checks for holes or tears in the valve.
 Thorough cleaning of the seal when rinsing to remove any stray grains of sand.

Snorkel Keeper: The snorkel keeper is the attachment ring that clips the tube to the straps of the mask.
Prone to breaking, the keeper can be easily replaced. Or, if it breaks while snorkeling, the tube can be
shoved beneath the straps of the mask--though many find this uncomfortable. Avoid annoying tube
positioning by:

 Rinsing it, along with the rest of the snorkel, in fresh water after each use.
 Checking for cracking or debris that may lead to tears.

Dry Top: Some snorkels come with dry tops at the tip of tubes. Dry tops seal the tube automatically when
the snorkeler ducks underwater. Maintain your dry top by:

 Cleaning it with fresh water after each use and checking for the buildup of debris.
 Testing to see if the top still closes when submerged before attempting use.

Fins-ensuring your snorkeling fins stay good-as-new does not rely too heavily on cleaning. A simple fresh
water rinse is all you need as far as washing goes. However, fins often take the most abuse compared to
the mask and snorkel. Their materials are liable to crack and tear following improper use or poor storage.
To best maintain your fins:

 Do not walk in your fins. Instead, put them on when you are waist-deep in the water, or, if the water is
too rough, right before entering it.
 Do not balance on the tips of the fins while in shallow water. It places excess stress on the blades and
will cause them to degrade faster, forming cracks where they bend.
 The rubber foot pocket may start to decay after some time. Prolong its life with a diver's silicone spray or
grease.
 Keep your fins (and the rest of your gear) away from petroleum-based products, which will rapidly wear
down the rubber in the foot pockets. This is not a concern for most snorkelers unless they frequently
store their equipment on a boat.
 Avoid storing fins beneath heavy objects--they will be squashed and lose their shape.
 Dry fins by hanging them in the shade, away from direct sunlight. If you have closed foot pockets, make
sure they hang in a way that allows water to escape to prevent molding.

(Source: “How to Care for Snorkeling Gear”, SwimOutlet.com Guides, accessed: February 12, 2021,
https://www.swimoutlet.com/guides/how-to-care-for-snorkeling-gear )

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 Let’s Practice
Direction: Match the functions in Column A with their corresponding equipment in
Column B. Write the letter of your answer in the space provided.

Column A Column B
1. Makes it possible to breathe while snorkeling a. Snorkeling vest
2. It helps in seeing underwater b. Skin Protection
3. It helps snorkelers to float on water c. Mask
4. It allows the snorkeler to reach further distances d. Snorkel
5. Helps protect the skin from the heat of the sun e. Snorkeling Fins

Why is it important to use/wear proper equipment in

snorkeling activity?
Let’s Do More

Directions: Read carefully each statement. Write TRUE if the statement is true and FALSE if the
statement is incorrect.
1. Keep all equipment out of direct sunlight by drying it in shade after each use.
2. Bite down too hard or gnash your teeth while wearing the snorkel.
3. The tube is quickly cleansed with salty or chlorinated water.
4. Fins will be squashed and lose their shape if it is stored beneath heavy objects.
5. Thorough cleaning of the seal when rinsing can remove any stray grains of sand.

Directions: Complete the table below by supplying the proper etiquette and safety in the use of snorkeling
equipment.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling Etiquettes and Safety
Equipme
nt
Mask 1.
2.

Snorkel 1.
2.
1.
Fins
2.
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 Let’s Sum It Up
Directions: Answer the following question.

1. What is the importance of keeping all the snorkeling apparatus in good shape/condition?

2. Why do we need to consider the proper etiquette and safety in the use of snorkeling equipment?