Question 1

Do I need training to snorkel in Britain?

Accepted Answer

The simple and accurate answer is no, training is simply not a necessaity; many people give snorkelling a go on their summer holidays, and there is nothing wrong with starting in this way providing the limits of your experience are understood.

However, while formal training is not a necessity, there are good reasons to seek qualifications to take your snorkelling further - you will learn about how to select the correct kit, to use proper technique, how to assess the conditions and how to stay safe in and around the water. All of these skills will add to your enjoyment in the long run, and make you a happier, more accomplished snorkeller.

You don't need training to start snorkelling, but getting a snorkelling qualification will make you a safer, more accomplished snorkeller

The British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) are the governing body for the sports of snorkelling and SCUBA diving in the UK. BSAC are a club based organisation with volunteer instructors; the training you will receive through BSAC will be cost effective, but the number of clubs offering snorkel training is limited at the time of writing. You could alternatively seek training through PADI, SSI or AIDA.

Question 2

How do I start snorkelling?

Accepted Answer

To start with, you only need a snorkel and a mask or goggles to be able to enjoy the undersea environment. Simply submerging your face in a tidal pool, or in sheltered, standing-depth water is enough to start to explore life under the waves. From this vantage point you can explore much of what the intertidal shoreline has to offer. As you build more confidence, you can add fins (flippers) and start to explore in deeper water, ensuring you are always aware of your limits of experience, and progress slowly. Always snorkel with a friend to share the experience and to look out for each other.

Question 3

Is it safe to snorkel in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Like any outdoor activity, snorkelling in Britain is as safe as you make it. There are many risks involved in snorkelling, no matter where you are in the world. However, although accidents happen, most risks can be mitigated by staying within the limits of your experience and developing your skills slowly.

In Britain we are lucky that we don’t need to worry about dangrous marine life. The worst you are likely to come across is a sting from a jellyfish, or prick from a sea urchin. The biggest risk in the UK is probably from tides and currents - these can take the unexperienced by surprise, so take care to assess the conditions before you enter the water - and from the effects of colder water on the body.

Question 4

Are there any health conditions to be aware of when snorkelling?

Accepted Answer

As long as you are generally physically fit and healthy, you should have no problems snorkelling. However, there are some pre-existing conditions that could increase the risk of suffering a rare but serious condition known as Immersion Pulmonary Odema. You should consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, or lung/respiratory disorders (including COVID requiring a hospital adminssion). Please be careful and if you are unsure, it's based to seek the opinion of a specilist medical referee who can assess your fitness to snorkel.

Question 5

Where should I snorkel in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Britain has no shortage of fantastic places to go snorkelling, but there are some sites that are more suited to finding abundant marine life than others.

For those with an urge to explore, check out our new book 'Snorkelling Britain' that will list many great sites around Britain for beginners to experienced snorkellers

If you are new to snorkelling, we would recommend starting off by finding larger rock pools to explore with a snorkel, or the sheltered shallows of a cove or harbor. Look for rocky locations with lots of seaweeds as these provide the nutrients and natural safety to attract a broad range of marine life.

Question 6

What marine life will I see snorkelling in Britain?

Accepted Answer

The British coastline is one of the most rich and diverse marine habitats in the world, its nutrient rich waters benefitting from warm Atlantic currents and a high tidal range. On a standard snorkelling adventure in Britain you could see spider crabs, catsharks, tompot blenny, sea slugs, and ballan wrasse, not to mention the wide range of seaweeds and wracks, and the beautiful anemones that can only really be appreciated from underwater. If you are willing to snorkel at dusk, you could also be treated to cuttlefish or conger eels.

These are just a small selection of what you can see. In short, there is no end to the wonderful marine life that inhabit our coastlines, and what better way to explore than with a mask and snorkel?