Lots of vacationers take up snorkeling when visiting ocean resorts.

The American Red Cross offers some suggestions to make your first forays into the undersea world safer:

• understand how your equipment works and check it carefully;
• know how to clear your snorkel of water;
• make sure you know how to put your mask on while treading water;
• practice in shallow water;
• avoid currents that will carry you far from your boat or the shore;
• always snorkel with other people.