Swim like a Fish

Exploring the reef is easy and fun. Even if you do not know how to swim you can still delve into the marine world. It is a beautiful, colorful and different world, unlike anything on land :)

So how do we start?

First of all, you should find a good place for your adventure. Here in KK, we are fortunate to have the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP) close by. This is a nice place for a beginner. The water there is relatively calm on a good sunny day, plus there are lifeguards to look out for you.

I know most people in Sabah do not like to go out if the sun is shinning. Panas! Well, the best time to go diving or snorkelling is during a sunny day. Personally the hotter it is, the better I like it. Sunshines will make it easier for you to see creatures underwater.

You must protect yourself from the sun to prevent sunburns and skin cancer. So use sunblock whenever you are out there. SPF 30 is good enough ;) For added protection, it a good idea to get a rash guard. This will protect you from other things such as jellybugs or when you bump into rocks or something.

Before going into the sea there are a few things you will need to see n breath underwater.

1. Floating Device

For those who cannot swim, use a floating device such as life jacket or body boards. Do not go into deep water without a floating device.

2. Mask & Snorkel

To be able to see and breath while you enjoy the scenic view of the reef, a mask and a snorkel is a must.

Find a mask that fits your face.

Put the mask on your face without strapping it on, gently sniff in and form a vacuum in the mask. Its a good fit if the mask doesn't fall of when you do this.

Make sure the strap is loose and not too tight. Tight strap will make you uncomfortable and cause leaks.

To avoid fogging, apply a bit of anti-fogging liquid on the glass. Or you can use a little bit of tooth paste or shampoo. Just rub it on the glass and rinse it before putting the mask on.

There are masks for those who needs correctional lenses too.

A snorkel is an equipment attached to your mask used as breathing device. In the event that water enters the snorkel, blow hard to get the water out and then take a breath slowly. If water still present, blow again.

3. Fins

Fins are used so that you can swim as fast as a fish :) This is optional. If you are uncomfortable using fins then you don't have to. Just be extra careful when using fins. Do not step on corals or kick them with your fins. Make sure your fins are not too tight as it can cause muscle cramps.

KKRW tips: When exiting the water, stop where water is waist deep, take off your fins and walk happily out.

So now you are ready to hit the water! Remember comfort is very important because snorkeling is a visual activity. So choose your equipments wisely.

Enjoy!

Salha

Ocean Facts

We, in KK, live near the ocean. So you would expect the residents of KK to love and respect the ocean. But still our actions are polluting the ocean. So maybe some of us do not understand that what we do on land can have devastating effect to the ocean and our marine friends living in the ocean.

Here are some facts about the ocean.

1. Ocean covers 71% of the Earth's surface and that is about 362 million sq. km. Imagine when sea level rises due to global warming. Where are we going to live?

2. 97% of Earth's water is contained in the ocean.

3. The first 10ft of the ocean holds as much heat as our entire atmosphere. Ocean plays a big role in regulating Earth's temperature and also our weather.

4. 80% of marine pollution comes from activities we do on land. Those plastics on our beaches must comes from us!

5.The ocean generates 75% of the world's oxygen. And we need oxygen to live. So our survival depends on the ocean and the quality of our lives depends on the quality of our environment.

6. The ocean purifies 50% of the carbon dioxide emitted by humans. Planktons in the ocean take up carbon dioxide and it is transported downwards in the ocean.

7. 90% of volcanic activities occurs in the ocean.

8. The deepest part of the ocean is called Challenger Deep which is about 11km in the ocean. Mount Kinabalu is only slightly 4km above sea level!

9. The ocean would rise 66m if all the world's ice melted.

10. Every year, rubbish is dumped into the ocean in the amount of 3 times more than the amount fish caught.


The ocean is indeed interesting and important to us. Maybe this will start of your curiosity to learn more about our ocean. The best way to know more about the ocean is by jumping into it! You can scuba dive or you can simply put on a mask and a snorkel. Our reefs here in KK is quite shallow. So go explore our ocean and have fun :)


Salha

Inspiring Future Leaders

On the 20th and 21st July 2009, KK Reef Watch and SPCA KK held a joint exhibition at the Library of University Malaysia Sabah. The exhibition was held to promote marine conservation through education and also to gain support from university students.

Interesting students :)

Students cehecking out the artificial reef model

Drink sponsors (Vico and Indocafe)... Thanks guys!

Salha explaining about KKRW marine program

It was very encouraging to see many of our university students who cared enough to volunteer with both KK Reef Watch and SPCA. KK Reef Watch is in fact encouraging the spirit of volunteerism. Volunteers makes a difference by contributing their time, skills and energy to a noble cause in order to improve quality of human lives.

Marine education program posters

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students of UMS who have voluntarily helped us during the UMS Library exhibition. Special thanks to Ju Ping and the 2nd Yr. Marine Science students who contributed their time and energy in making the exhibition a success.

Excited about marine education

The marine ecosystem in Kota Kinabalu is in dire state. As residents of this beautiful city and just as a human being, it is our social responsibility to ensure the safety of our community and our environment, which includes all flora and fauna.

Explaining the benefit of becoming a volunteer

KK is a rapidly developing coastal city and our resources are being utilized unsustainably. If we do not do something about this now then when are we going to start being accountable for what we do.

Students signing up to become volunteers :)

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is just 15 minutes away by boat. Its close proximity to the city is causing massive damage to its marine life. Sedimentation from unmitigated reclamation around the coastal area and land clearing from mainland causes our waters to be murky and turbid. There are many other threats to our environment occurring at the moment and this is the time for us to make a stand together.

Group photo with SPCA KK :)

The event was a great deal more festive with support from Vico and Indocafe who was there for both days.

Salha Alban
President
KK Reef Watch
Driving the Youth of Today
Towards a Greener Community