Flippers are worth it for snorkeling as they have you move around through the water easier.
You do really need flippers for snorkeling as it can be difficult to move around in the water without the flippers.
It is hard to snorkel without flippers as the flippers help you propel through and maneuver through the water.
It's much easier to move around and push yourself forward when wearing fins or flippers when snorkeling, especially in currents.
Without flippers you will often need to use your arms to swim more which can tire you out more quickly.
You will have to work harder to move through the water without flippers or fins.
Snorkeling fins are called swim fins or diving fins or even flippers which are worn on the feet for propulsion through the water.
The best fins for snorkeling are comfortable fitting snorkeling fins that fits your feet and hugs your feet without squeezing.
You should also consider the blade design for propulsion, flexibility of material and whether or not you require adjustable straps and other features.
You should try the snorkeling fins on before you purchase to ensure they fit the best.
The kind of fin that you will be buying in snorkeling are full foot style fins which fit snugly like a shoe and are lightweight, efficient and well suited for most conditions of snorkeling.
You can also use open heel fins for snorkeling which allow you to wear dive boots for colder water or added protection.
The best size fins for snorkeling are small sized fins for beginners and larger sized fins are best for experienced snorkelers or when you need to swim against currents or go longer distances.
Bigger fins are better for snorkeling if you need more propulsion to cover long distances or to swim against currents.
However bigger fins can be harder to maneuver and may not be ideal for beginner snorkelers to wear or in shallow waters.
Smaller fins are more versatile and easier to control for most situations of snorkeling and if you're a beginner.
When snorkeling you wear fins on your feet to help you swim through the waters.
Some models of fins can be worn along with water shoes and the fins are an extension of your feet.
If wearing socks you should wear Aqua socks.
You should not snorkel when the weather is bad such as when there's heavy rain, high winds, high surf, strong current or heavy shorebreak.
You should also not snorkel in murky water or if you're feeling sick or unwell or have any medical concerns.
If you're not comfortable with the water conditions or you're not accompanied by someone else for safety reasons you should not snorkel.
When snorkeling you should avoid touching any sea creatures or coral reefs as doing so can harm them.
Also don't touch any fish or even chase fish and don't touch sea turtles, dolphins or sea floor sediment.
Stirring up any sea floor sediment can harm marine life.
The best color to wear while snorkeling is bright yellow or fluorescent orange as they are the most visible colors underwater and make you easily noticeable to others, especially if you're in murky water.
However just note that very bright colors can attract some marine life to you.
With a snorkel and flippers you can dive down to around 10 to 15 feet depending on your comfort level and breath holding ability.
For deeper dives you will require scuba gear and a tank of oxygen for breathing.
The greatest danger to snorkelers is drowning which can occur due to ocean surges, strong currents, shallow water blackout, inhaling water, cardiac arrest, being struck by a watercraft or colliding with a coral reef.
Shallow water blackout can occur when you hold your breath too long or resist the urge to come up for air.
It can lead to a lack of oxygen and a dangerous condition called hypoxic blackout.
Poor swimmers can snorkel as long as the poor swimmers wear a life jacket or snorkel vest and stay in shallow water with someone else.
Snorkels are not allowed in swimming pools because snorkels can be dangerous for swimmers that are inexperienced.
Snorkels when worn by inexperienced swimmers can increase the risk of shallow water blackout due to breath holding and can also obstruct a lifeguard's ability to quickly assess someone that is in distress.
The design of a snorkel can also make it difficult to clear the water from the tube if it fills up and potentially lead to water inhalation.
You can use snorkels in your private swimming pools but not public swimming pools.
Using a snorkel when swimming can cause people to hold their breath for extended periods and lead to shallow water blackout.
Shallow water blackout is a dangerous condition in which someone loses consciousness underwater even when they're are in shallow water.
Snorkels can also obscure your face and make it harder for lifeguards to monitor your condition and respond quickly to emergencies.
Some specialized swimming clubs and training programs may allow the use of snorkels under the supervision of a qualified swimming instructor.
And you often use specially designed snorkels to mitigate any safety concerns.