Dad Chuck Becker, 47, got out his underwater camera and began filming as soon as he realises his son was in no danger and that the curious animal just wanted to play. Ethan swam around with the sea lion, in the Gulf of California, and let it check him out for about 30 seconds - even hugging him a couple of times. The video, filmed on August 3, shows the sea lion playfully biting a stray part of the teenager's diving suit, but leaving it undamaged. The animal then surfaces to take a gulp of air before diving back down and nibbling on the snorkeler's flipper. The snorkeler pets the seal, which keeps on somersaulting while paying close attention to the teenager.
