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Tuesday 19 March 2024
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What You Need to Know About Swimming with Seals

What You Need to Know About Swimming with Seals

Pinnipeds are found on every continent in the world, albeit most species are located in cold-water habitats. The creatures are kept warm by thick layers of fat, sometimes known as blubber, in addition to their dense coats of fur, with the exception of the walrus. Seals, sea lions, and walruses are classified as pinnipeds, which translates as “fin-footed” in Latin.

Is Swimming with Seals Dangerous?

Swimming in the ocean with wild sea lions is not at all risky, as long as you follow your guide’s detailed instructions and do not disturb them. Most tour operators simply instruct tourists not to approach the sea lions, primarily because doing so would scare them away rather than for fear of being attacked.

They Are Fast

According to researchers, sea lions may attain high speeds of up to 40 miles per hour while swimming in the water, but some species can only reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. Most people don’t think that is really fast until they realise that Michael Phelps moves through the water at six miles per hour. It’s a delight in and of itself to be sitting in the water and watching these animals whirl back and forth at breakneck speeds.

Enjoy Roughhousing

Sea lions are known to engage playfully with one another when they’re not resting with a single flipper out of the water or enjoying a sunny sleep on the islet. Many swimmers will observe two sea lions chewing at each other’s buttocks or spinning around and around in a high-speed chase on a regular basis in the ocean.

They Love to Put on a Show

These willing and adept performers frequently swim right up to the camera and begin putting on a show. Many people experience seal swimming in Narooma when they swim upside-down and backward while blowing bubbles toward the surface, all because they want to grab people’s attention.

Seals Love Blowing Bubbles

With how long seals spend underwater, it’s easy to forget that they are mammals and require breaks at the surface for air. It is believed that seals and sea lions can dive up to 900 feet, although there is no reason for them to dive that far.

Researchers have also discovered that pinnipeds of all kinds can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes before they have to come back to the surface for more air. When swimming with seals, you can’t help but notice how amazing they are at blowing bubble rings.