Snorkelling

Information on managing the safety risks of snorkelling.

What is snorkelling

Snorkelling is a water activity where individuals swim on or through a body of water with a diving mask, a shaped breathing tube called a snorkel, and usually swim fins. Snorkelers stay near the water's surface while holding their breath for short periods of time.

In New South Wales (NSW), snorkelling is not considered diving as it does not involve breathing compressed gas.

Snorkelling is regulated under the NSW Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulation 2017 Part 3.1 Managing risks to health and safety.

Risks of snorkelling

The risks associated with snorkelling, include drowning, marine life encounters, and environmental hazards such as strong currents.

To reduce the risk of harm, there are factors that you can consider before snorkelling.

Dive plan and safety log

Although not mandatory, a dive plan and dive safety log are useful to manage the risk associated with snorkelling. This involves:

  • identifying hazards
  • assessing risks
  • implementing control measures
  • reviewing control measures regularly.

For more information, refer to the risk management code of practice of managing Work Health and Safety (WHS) in the workplace PDF, 556.72 KB.

Snorkeller preparation

This involves:

  • Ensuring workers are competent swimmers.
  • Providing appropriate task training and procedures.
  • Ensuring that snorkelling equipment meets applicable Australian standards.

Whilst there are no specific qualifications to lead a snorkelling dive, these types of courses would provide knowledge which would be useful for managing a snorkelling group:

  • Relevant VET courses - for example:
    • Pool Lifeguard, including supervise clients at an aquatic facility or environment
    • Advanced first aid.
  • Relevant qualifications from lifesaving associations - for example:
    • Royal Life Saving Society Australia
    • Surf Life Saving Australia.
  • Relevant qualifications from recreational dive training organisations (e.g. SSI, PADI) - for example:
    • perform diver rescues
    • supervise diving
    • instruct diving and snorkelling.

Site risk assessment

Conduct a site risk assessment for the environmental conditions at each site, including:

  • currents
  • weather
  • surface conditions.

How to lead snorkelling activities safely

As in all workplace activities, the (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU)) must ensure the safety of workers involved in snorkelling.

Site supervision

A snorkelling supervisor should manage the snorkelling. The supervisor should have appropriate experience for the area where the snorkelling is taking place.

First aid considerations

WHS Regulation 2017 Division 3 First Aid (3) emphasises considering specific factors when determining first aid services or equipment.

While not mandatory, we strongly recommend oxygen or an automated external defibrillator (AED) is provided for snorkelling and diving activities. If they aren’t, PCBUs must justify why.

For more information about first aid requirements, see First Aid Code of Practice PDF, 391.59 KB.

Control measures for at-risk snorkellers

When a person is an at-risk snorkeller, the PCBU should ensure they:

  • are easy to identify in the water to help with closer supervision
  • wear and/or use a flotation device
  • snorkel in a buddy pair.

How to be a safe snorkeller

If you’re a snorkeller:

Check weather and water conditions: Ensure conditions are safe for snorkelling.

Use appropriate equipment: Make sure all equipment is in good condition and meets safety standards.

  • Never snorkel alone: Always have a buddy.
  • Know your limits: Do not push beyond your comfort and skill levels.
  • Stay hydrated and protect from Sun: Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen.
  • Be aware of marine life: Avoid touching or disturbing marine animals.
  • Medical fitness: Consider your fitness before going snorkelling.

More information

Back to top