Thank you for your interest in Friends of the Cheat’s Snorkel Events

Friends of the Cheat (FOC) is a nonprofit watershed organization dedicated to restoring, preserving, and promoting the outstanding natural qualities of the Cheat River watershed. Our work focuses on improving water quality, protecting and restoring critical habitat, expanding recreational access, and fostering meaningful connections between the community and the river we love.

The FOC Snorkel Club is a hands-on educational program that invites participants to experience the Cheat River firsthand. Each snorkeling adventure becomes a living classroom, allowing FOC to highlight the delicate balance of river ecosystems and why caring for them is essential.

How Snorkel Events Work

Environmental Conditions

Snorkeling is best conducted during low-flow conditions with clear water. Recent rainfall can cause the river to rise to unsafe levels and reduce visibility due to sedimentation. Fast, muddy water does not provide a safe or enjoyable snorkeling experience.

Because of this, events may need to be canceled or rescheduled due to weather and river conditions. We strongly encourage groups to identify a backup date when scheduling a snorkel event.

Locations

FOC hosts snorkel events at select sites within the Cheat River watershed, the focus of our mission and work. There are a limited number of areas within the watershed that provide excellent snorkeling conditions. We need shallow, slower moving water with walk-in access and good parking. Bathroom facilities are a plus. 

Common snorkel locations include Horseshoe Run Rec Area, Stuarts Rec Area, Otter Creek Trailhead, and parts of the Cheat River.  

Participant Ages

For safety and experiential reasons, Friends of the Cheat typically limits snorkel programs to participants ages 8 and older.

If your group includes younger children as part of a larger organization (such as 4-H clubs, after-school programs, or similar groups), please notify FOC of the number and ages of those participants. Depending on staff availability and resources, FOC may be able to offer a complementary outdoor activity that is safer and more age-appropriate for younger children.

Safety & Skills Needed

While snorkeling occurs in the water and basic swimming skills are beneficial, Friends of the Cheat staff are experienced in working with participants who have limited swimming ability. All snorkel locations are chosen with safety as the highest priority.

Most areas where participants will snorkel are approximately waist-deep, as much of the river’s diverse wildlife is found in these shallow sections. This allows participants to stand at any time. Deeper areas (above head height) may be explored only by strong swimmers and will be closely supervised by FOC staff and accompanying adult chaperones.

FOC assigns designated shore watchers and places trained instructors in the water to monitor participants. Adult chaperones are required and are responsible for actively supervising participants throughout the program. Parents and accompanying adults remain responsible for the safety of the individuals in their care.

FOC also requires that adults disclose in advance any participants with limited swimming abilities or medical conditions so appropriate supervision can be provided.

Waiver required: Student Waiver 2025

What to Expect

An FOC staff member will contact applicants to discuss planning details. If selected, we will coordinate with your group to schedule a date, time, and location. Waivers will be provided for participants to complete in advance.

On the day of the event, FOC staff will meet the group at a predetermined location and begin with a brief presentation that includes an overview of Friends of the Cheat and our work, information about the specific river location, and a required safety briefing.

Adult chaperones accompanying the group will be assigned specific supervisory responsibilities while participants are in the river. This is required by FOC so staff can focus on instruction and education while in the water.

FOC will then distribute snorkel gear and assist participants in preparing to enter the water. Wetsuits may be provided depending on location and water temperature. (Swimsuits are always worn under wetsuits.)

Once in the water, FOC staff will guide participants in learning about river ecology, aquatic organisms, and hydrology, while encouraging exploration and questions.

A typical Snorkel Club event lasts approximately four hours, including presentations, preparation time, snorkeling, and time for changing into dry clothes.

What to Bring

  • Participants must wear sturdy, well-fitting water shoes. Appropriate footwear includes sandals with a secure backstrap, water shoes, or old tennis shoes. Crocs and flip flops are not recommended, as they can easily come off and float away.

*Footwear is required while in the river for safety reasons, so please ensure each participant arrives with appropriate shoes. FOC has a limited amount of water shoes available but please confirm we have the size needed prior to the event.

  • A towel
  • A change of clothes, including warmer options
  • Your own snorkel if you have one
  • Medications (those allergic to bees should bring appropriate medications such as Epi-Pens).

Individuals (Not part of an organized group)

If you are not part of a group but wish to participate in an FOC Snorkel Club event, please keep an eye out on our socials pages for no-cost Pop-up Public Snorkel events during the summer.

Community Partner Program Guidelines (No Fee)

In support of our mission and community partnerships, this program is offered at no cost to:

  • K-12 Public schools
  • Registered nonprofit organizations
  • 4-H clubs and similar

Donations for Snorkel Club are encouraged> visit https://cheat.org/donate/ and select “Education and Outreach” as the program you would like to support.

Please complete the application form below to apply for the 2026 FOC Snorkel Club. An FOC staff member will typically follow up within two weeks.

2026 FOC Snorkel Club form for Public/NP groups

Independent Group Program Guidelines (Fee-Based)

While Friends of the Cheat is committed to making educational programming as accessible as possible, limited program funding requires that this program be offered to private schools, private clubs, and similar organizations for a fee.

  • Cost: $200 per event
  • Covers up to 20 children and 10 adults for a 4-hour session
  • Payment is required in advance(refunds will be issued if event is cancelled)

Please note that this fee covers less than 50% of the total cost of hosting a snorkel event, with Friends of the Cheat covering the remaining expenses. The fee remains $200 regardless of group size (up to 20 participants) due to fixed staffing and equipment costs.

If your group is unable to pay this cost, please reach out to Lisa at lisa@cheat.org to see what other options are available.

Please complete the application form below to apply for the 2026 FOC Snorkel Club. An FOC staff member will typically follow up within two weeks.

2026 FOC Snorkel Club form for Private groups

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa@cheat.org.