Though we can't swim on the ocean-side, there is plenty room for us in the lagoon. We're on an atoll so things are usually nice, calm and safe for a day in the water. There's lots of coral once you make it a ways out and foot protection is a must.
The water doesn't get deep for a good ways out though. To get to the good coral quickly, it's best to hop on a floatie (thank you Josh!) and use your arms to head out to the drop off. You can wade out all the way to where we snorkel, but you'll wear out a good bit in the process.