Skip to main content

Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Discover what this means

Snorkelling

Grab your mask and snorkel and see what’s under the water. What will you spot?

Back to Activities

What to expect

Snorkelling involves swimming underwater, usually near the surface. You don’t need loads of specialist equipment to give it a go – you’ll just need a mask, flippers, and snorkel to breathe through.

There are no age limits on snorkelling – as long as you can swim, you can give it a go. It’s a great way to build on your swimming confidence while seeing what’s under the water.

Snorkelling’s a great introduction to sub-aqua diving (also known as SCUBA diving), and it doesn’t need much equipment.

Fun facts

  • In ancient times, divers used hollow reeds to breathe while they were submerged in water. There’s evidence people were doing so around 3,000 BCE while diving for natural sponges off the coast of Crete.
  • Leonardo da Vinci designed lots of diving equipment, ranging from simple tubes to a diving suit.

Handy hints

  • Two for one. Snorkelling’s a great adventure to pair with something like surfing. The two adventures can be run alongside each other so everyone has the chance to try something new.
  • Get ready to go. Why not try an activity such as Warm muscles to make sure everyone’s ready to take to the water? You could even play a game like Electric eels to get everyone comfortable in the water.

Safety

You must always:
Be safe outdoors:
  • Check the weather forecast
Be safe in water:

Everyone should be able to swim 50 m wearing the clothing or equipment for the activity. Non-swimmers will need additional support.

Water can be dangerous - be aware of the risks.

The category of water depends on how safe the water is. Use our waterways directory to check.

Be sure to manage the group when near water, keeping everyone safe. 

 

Joint activities with other organisations:
This activity can be led by you or someone else in Scouts:
  • The activity leader must have an adventurous activities permit with the right level and permissions for your group.

    • You don't need a permit for activities on Class C waters (safe, inland water less than 100 m wide).

    • Where the group is entirely members over the age of 18 the permit scheme does not apply, please follow the rule 9.8 adult groups.

You can go to a centre or use an activity leader who is not part of Scouting:
You must find a suitable provider who meets the following requirements:
  • The centre/instructor should hold one of these:
    • British Sub Aqua Club - Open Water Snorkel Instructor
    • British Sub Aqua Club - Snorkel Instructor
    • Adventure Mark - centre
  • The provider must have public liability insurance.

Guidance

Activity Permit Scheme

Snorkelling

Swimming

Reflection

For lots of people, snorkelling is a chance to try something new. It can feel different to other adventures, even ones that involve water, as people have to breathe differently. How did people feel before they gave it a go? Were they excited, or nervous, or both? How did people feel afterwards? Hopefully everyone who tried something new felt proud of themselves and learned some techniques that make it easier to tackle the unknown. Did people get to go to a new place, or did they explore somewhere they already knew from a different point of view?

Snorkelling’s a really fun way to be active. How did people’s bodies feel while they were snorkelling? What about afterwards? Did it feel similar to any other activities? How did people warm up and cool down?

Snorkelling can often be adapted so more people can give it a go. Many providers have facilities that cater for people with additional needs and experienced instructors to help everyone achieve their goals. Get in touch with your local provider to chat through the needs of people in your group – make sure you give them plenty of notice.

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

You could build on snorkelling by playing different games in the water.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you could take it to the next level by trying snorkelling (or Scuba diving) somewhere more exciting and adventurous.