Is this what you're looking for?

http://www.seapromarine.com/pages/boat_us_article.html

Or maybe this?

[www.joediveramerica.com/page/JDA/CTGY/snorkelvest]

They're called "snorkel vests"; we use these all of the time, and they work well.

The snorkel vests (as recommended by Regan) are much better than the Swimmer's Belts if you are, in fact, snorkeling. They provide better bouancy while your face is submerged and when deflated they take up literally no room in your luggage. They are available for about $30 at most dive shops and many of the major chain Sporting Goods stores such as Academey, Sports Authority, etc.

For A Davis:

Yes tried to e-mail this company two days ago. no response as of yet. Thanks

I'll try Regan's site, by the way, I used a "snorkel vest" whem I visted St. Thomas & St John 10 years ago on our 20th. The swimmer's belt was suggested by one of your members as being more comfortable.
Thanks Again
Ernie

that might have been my message from another posting. The first time we went to StJ (about 15 years ago) I was given one of these when I expressed my fear of the water (lousy swimmer). What I got was a thick (2plus inches of rubber type stuff, very light weight), white flexible "belt" about 6" wide that I clinched around my waist. While you get more level bouyancy with the vest, you need a GOOD vest if go for the vests and some places rent you lousy, bad fitting ones (particularly if you're petite like me) that just ride up right under your mouth, very annoying. So I didn't mind the belt and will probably buy one or maybe the good vest if I can find a small one before our Nov trip back to STJ.

Little fact to remember that may give you some confidence. Many/most of us float pretty well in salt water - without any real effort.

So maybe a belt would not really be needed.

I agree with Island Paul. I am not a strong swimmer at all and was very apprehensive our first snorkle, I had forgetten how well one does float in salt water. I even made it all around Waterlemon and back in rather choppy seas with no panic.

Good Morning to All:

As always all of you have been most helpful with your advice and suggestions and I'm most greatful for all the help.

Just to let you know I did buy a good vest ( I hope) from joediveamerica.com

My basic concern is that I'm mildly handicapped, (Cerebral Palsey)

I swim well enough and have been in the Ocean at least once a year in the Outer Banks NC for more than 20 years and East Hampton LI NY
as a kid.

My wife and I were in the USVI 10 years ago for our 20th wedding anniversary and are now taking our whole family to STX for 10 days for our 30th anniversary.

I just thought it would be better to "have it and not need it then need it and not have it" as they say.

Any other suggestions would be greatfully accepted also

Thanks again for all your help!!
Ernie

Ernie, I totally agree with your logic. When you know yourself as well as you do, and since you want to enjoy yourself while visiting - why not get a vest? Glad you were able to get one, enjoy your wonderful trip celebrating all those years. Congrats.

Ernie,

My 14 yo has CP. We used to have her in a vest which just rode up and was hard for her to maneuver in. The snorkel belt works well for her for all kinds of water activities 🙂

Do you use canes to walk? My daughter needs them until she gets deep enough into the water to use her natural boyancy - but then she would drop the canes and we would have to find them under water for her. Our solution? We bought a "fun noodle" and cut it to the length of the canes, then made a slit down one side and just slipped it over the canes - and now they float! It was a very inexpensive solution ($3 I think) and it sure makes them a whole lot easier to find!

I hope you have a fabulous trip!

Susan

It seems people are evenly divided between the swimmer's belts and the snorkel vests. Obviously it's a matter of personal preference - just avoid the large personal floatation devices as the generall are to big and bulky for snorkeling. Now let me add one more thing to the mix. My wife, a poor swimmer, used a snorkel vest for years with great success. Last year, at the recommendation of some friends we purchaed "shorty wet suits" (about $75 each if I recall - available on-line). We both found that not only did they keep us warmer but they gave us added bouancy, so much so that my wife stopped using her snorkel vest. She says that she enjoys snorkeling much more now that she stays warm and doesn't get that "sinking" feeling.

Hi Susan,

No, no canes just a very noticable limp and of course mild coordination problems that affect my right side. I don't drive a car and I had heavy metal braces on both legs and cruches until I was 13. I can get in and out of the surf ok on my own if the waves are not too high and the current is not too strong, otherwise my wife and kids sometimes have to help me out of the breakers.

My concern is snorkeling in a depth over 5 feet and needing to rest as I mostly use my upper body to pull myself along breast stroke style.

We have rented a villa near reef beach for 10 days in June and are going to Buck Island to snorkel (of course) with (Buck Island Tours) (Captain Heinz) and as many of the other beaches as we can get to.

Of course this is costing some $$$$ and I would like to make it as enjoyable and stress free as possible.

Any additional suggestions that might enhance our stay would be most greatfully accepted.

Everyone on this site has been just great. Hope I have not been to much of a bore with all this stuff. I usually don't tell my life story to everyone, but ya'll have been so friendly it made it easy.

Again my deepest thanks to you and....

"Islander"
"Island Paul"
"Ric"
"Kathie"
Karrieb
et al

Tell your daughter I think she's a real trooper, a credit to "us" all!! Rock On!!!!

Wish I could meet you all!!

Ernie