Yes, there is nothing to be surprised about, they just need proper guidance before the actually trip. As we all know that kids are anyways fast learners and when we teach them anything with a bit of patience they are bound to catch it quicker than any grown up. And which kid doesnt like to play in water? This is a medium that attracts them the most.
Now the point we all think is that is this activity safe for such young kids? Yes, it absolutely is very very safe; just the same way as it is for any adult. With the required amount of safety equipments like kids snorkel set and basic guidance they will be very safe and have the some very exciting fun. The excitement a child would feel when seeing a live fish and swimming around it can only be experienced with those kids in the water. You can educate the kids about the colourful reefs and other aquatic creatures live. That would be the best lesson a child would learn.
Let us see some basic steps that can be implemented prior to taking your child for a snorkelling trip:
Try to make your child play in a bathtub for a week at the least before you are scheduled to go for the actual trip.
Get good quality snorkel sets that fit the child accurately from a reputed dealer.
Let the child be comfortable wearing the childrens wetsuit for short whiles. Kid might need them if the water is a bit cold.
Let the child explore the snorkel mask on his own and be comfortable with wearing it.
Start the activity for shorter periods and slowly increase the activity time till the child is not irritated or tired.
First make your child wear the mask and once he is used to it, then introduce the snorkel.
If the kid is big enough to understand, talk and explain about the activity. Tell about both the fun part and the safety aspects.
When at your destination, let your child practice in the pool if possible. The change in the size of the practice area will let you know about the confidence level of your child.
Never force the child to try in the actual water, till the time he feels the excitement and wants to join you for the snorkelling.
Choose only calm water that has no or very less waves.
Make sure you know the climatic conditions before you arrive at your destination.
The most important point to always remember would be never to leave the side of the child.
With proper snorkelling wetsuits, equipments and a bit guidance you can make your child have the best experience of this lifetime at a young age. Choose the sets and suits wisely from only authorised stores, so that it doesnt have any harmful effects on your child and he is safe wearing that.