Mysterious Snorkel
Drownings Explained
Snorkelers may not be drowning in the way that you think. Rather than being submerged and inhaling water, in some cases a snorkeler’s lungs are filling with bodily fluids because of the snorkel itself. Are you at risk? Want to know more?
Snorkel Safety Study:
Summary of Finding 2025
Snorkel Safety Study:
Summary of Survey 2025
"I’m an experienced snorkeler. It was the first time I used a full-face snorkel. After about 10 minutes, I couldn’t get air. I surfaced and lifted the mask to breathe. I went back to snorkeling and it happened again. I have never used the mask again."
calm conditions
snorkeled over 20 times
“I started to feel very fatigued and was luckily close to shore. I then felt very light-headed and had to lay down for awhile because I was a bit nauseous. It passed in about 20 to 30 minutes.”
calm conditions
snorkeled over 20 times
“I was snorkeling with a friend. I stopped to talk with him for a moment. Within 30 seconds of setting the mask back on and putting my head in the water, I felt a severe shortness of breath, and immediately turned back towards the shore. I felt my strength dissipating very quickly, my calves were cramping, and I started to panic. I called for help, and the second time I did so, three men swam out to help me to shore.”
calm conditions
first time snorkeling
“About 20 yards offshore I was struggling to catch my breath. I was unable to call out or wave. I started to swim back in. My arms were leaden, couldn't free-style. About 10 yards from shore my heart was pounding in my ears. A wave pushed me to shore. I went unconscious. The beach attendant applied oxygen, which revived me. I was taken to the hospital by ambulance.”
calm conditions
snorkeled over 20 times
“Almost immediately after getting in the water I again felt the same sensations, almost flu-like nausea. As the group made its way back to the boat, I nearly passed out! I had a very hard time getting my thoughts together and experienced severe leg cramping. I took the mask off and tried to calm myself. I believe that if I had to swim more than another 25 feet I would have passed out. I completely believe that if I had not been as experienced and as strong as I am, I would have been dead!”
calm conditions
snorkeled over 20 times
