Mysterious Snorkel Drownings Explained
The Snorkel Safety Study has unraveled the way snorkeling can lead to fatal and non-fatal drownings
Snorkel-related drownings are often a mystery. It is not unusual to find a snorkeler motionless in calm conditions, and not very long after entering the water. Often there are no signs of distress. In fact, many more visitors die from snorkel-related drownings than Hawai‘i residents. Understanding why this happens could avert future drownings and you can help. If you or someone you know has experienced trouble while snorkeling, please take the Snorkel Safety Survey!
"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
We want YOU to take the Snorkel Safety Survey!
Anyone who has experienced or witnessed trouble while snorkeling is uniquely positioned to provide information that can help save lives. Expanded participation in the survey may lead us to better understand the causes of snorkel-related drownings. Take the survey now and help save lives!
