Bouncing in the boat as we headed for our snorkeling spot around the Turneffe Atoll in Belize, I looked around at the group who were prepping their masks with defog and wiggling their feet into their fins. Soon, we would plunge beneath the surface and explore the colorfully stunning corals of Belize's reefs. But, they all had one thing I did not, a rash guard.

The water in Belize is warm and they didn't plan to surf, so I didn't understand why they had on rash guards. Plunging below the surface, we started our journey. Diving up and down to catch a breath, we floated with the current, away from the boat to check out different sections of the reef.

Shining in the light, the red, blue, and yellow coral popped. I was fascinated by the little fish as well. Holding my breath longer and longer with each dive, I was reaching the flow state during this snorkel. Then, I was tapped on the shoulder by the guide and he pointed close to me.

Struggling to see what he was pointing at, I eventually noticed this translucent blob floating a few feet away, a jellyfish. Returning to the surface at the request of the guide, he said, "Watch out for jellyfish, you don't have a rash guard. Next time, bring a rash guard."

Now, I understood. Thankfully, I wasn't stung by any jellyfish while snorkeling in Belize, but I understand how snorkeling with a rash guard in Belize can be an important addition to your snorkeling kit to keep you warm (you don't need a wetsuit to snorkel) and protect you from jellyfish, shallow reef, and the sun.