Being Aware of Snorkeling Conditions

At most snorkeling sites, there is a primary direction in which the current normally flows. For example, along the California coast, the primary current flow is from north to south. A snorkeler who enters the northern end of a beach and doesn't watch the current, will usually gradually drift towards the southern end of the beach.

Always keep your eye on the current by watching which way the kelp is drifting or looking at other objects floating on the surface. Keep in mind that currents can become completely slack or reverse directions entirely over a short period of time.

Rip currents are currents of water running off the beach in a channel out to sea. The water in the rip moves extremely fast, much faster than you can swim.

Rip currents may occur due to temporary conditions, although they may last for several hours. Temporary rips usually form when the water creates a channel in the sand which allows the sea to rush back out through this conduit.

Permanent rip currents are found near some piers or where the water runs out from shore between a sandbar or gap in a reef. The force of the water running through the cut in the bar or reef is tremendous.

Most rips run in a 90 degree angle away from the shore. If you are caught in a rip, don't try to swim against it. Either ride it out until it stops or swim out of the rip at a 90 degree angle, parallel to the beach. If there is a current running along the beach, swim out of the rip by swimming down current.

Undertow occurs when there is big surf and water runs off a steep beach back out towards sea. If the undertow is strong enough, it can pull your feet out from underneath you as you try to enter the water or exit the ocean to the beach.

Certain beaches are notorious for their undertow and should be avoided unless you have extensive beach diving experience. The ocean is much more powerful than you and must be respected.

Whenever you are in the water, you must be aware of changing conditions around you. No matter where you snorkel, conditions can change very rapidly and you must be vigilant to know when it is time to get out of the water.

Probably the most negative part of beach diving is dealing with the sand that gets in your equipment. This is usually unavoidable. Just be sure to take the time to thoroughly rinse your gears as soon as possible after diving.