Full face snorkel masks have become increasingly popular in recent years. Social media is full of pictures and videos of people wearing them while snorkeling, swimming, and even diving.
Although they are growing in popularity, there have been concerns raised about their safety. In particular, there have been reports of people dying while using them.
This article will explore the safety concerns around full face snorkel masks, as well as the deaths that have been associated with them.
What is a Full Face Snorkel Mask?
A full face snorkel mask is a type of diving mask that covers the entire face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth. It is usually made from silicone rubber and has a snorkel attached to it.
The full face snorkel mask was invented in 2014 by French engineer and diver, Guy Corneau. Since then, it has become increasingly popular among both recreational and professional divers. Its popularity is due to its many advantages over traditional diving masks.
Advantages of a Full Face Snorkel Mask
The main advantage of a full face snorkel mask is that it allows you to breathe easily through your nose and mouth while underwater. This is because the mask covers your entire face and has a built-in snorkel. Traditional diving masks only cover your eyes and nose, which can make breathing difficult.
Another advantage of a full face snorkel mask is that it covers your entire field of vision. This makes it much easier to see underwater than a traditional diving mask. In addition, the built-in snorkel eliminates the need for a separate snorkel tube, which can be uncomfortable to use.
finally, full face masks are often equipped with additional features that traditional diving masks do not have. For example, some models have a built-in GoPro mount so you can easily attach a camera to record your underwater adventures. Other models have integrated headphones so you can listen to music or audio directions while you dive.
How do Full Face Snorkel Masks Work?
Full face snorkel masks have become increasingly popular in recent years, but there have also been reports of deaths and injuries associated with their use. How do these masks work and are they safe?
Full face snorkel masks cover the entire face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth. They have a breathing tube that extends from the mask to the top of the head, where it can be attached to a snorkeling mouthpiece.
These masks are designed to allow snorkelers to breathe through their noses and mouths while submerged. However, some models have been found to leak air into the mask, which can lead to suffocation or drowning. In addition, if the mask is not properly fitted, water can leak in through the sides of the mask and into the snorkeler’s mouth or eyes.
There have been at least 46 reported deaths associated with full face snorkel masks since 2007. Most of these deaths have been caused by suffocation or drowning. In some cases, the victims were using defective or counterfeit masks. In other cases, the victims were not properly trained in how to use the mask.
If you are considering using a full face snorkel mask, it is important to purchase a quality product from a reputable manufacturer. You should also make sure that you are properly trained in how to use the mask and that you follow all safety instructions carefully.
Are Full Face Snorkel Masks Safe?
Since their introduction a few years ago, full face snorkel masks have become increasingly popular, especially among first-time snorkelers and those who don’t like the feeling of a traditional snorkel in their mouth.
But with this increase in popularity has come an increase in reports of accidents and even deaths while using these masks. In fact, there have been at least four confirmed deaths in 2019 alone.
So, are full face snorkel masks safe?
The short answer is, no, they are not necessarily safe. While the vast majority of people who use them will never have any problems, there is a risk of drowning if the mask is not used properly.
There are two main dangers associated with full face snorkel masks: water leaking into the mask and panicking while wearing the mask.
Water leaking into the mask is a problem because it can obscure your vision and make it difficult to breathe. If too much water gets into the mask, it can cause you to drown.
Panicking while wearing the mask is a problem because it can cause you to breathe rapidly, which will use up all the air in the mask very quickly. If you run out of air, you will start to suffocate. This is why it’s so important to remain calm while wearing a full face snorkel mask.
Another danger associated with full face snorkel masks is that they can give you a false sense of security. Because they cover your entire face and make it easy to breathe, you may be more likely to take risks while using them. For example, you may swim further out from shore than you would without a mask or you may swim in rougher water than you would normally venture into.
So, what can you do to stay safe while using a full face snorkel mask?
First and foremost, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Make sure you understand how to use the mask properly before putting it on. Second, do a “test run” in shallow water before swimming out too far. This will help you get used to breathing through the mask and ensure that it fits properly. Third, stay close to shore or another swimmer at all times when wearing the mask. Fourth, never swim alone when wearing a full face snorkel mask – make sure someone else knows where you are at all times. Fifth, be aware of your surroundings and stay away from areas with strong currents or waves. Sixth, if you start to feel claustrophobic or panicky while wearing the mask, remove it immediately and take a break from swimming . . . . Last but not least – HAVE FUN! Snorkeling is supposed to be enjoyable so make sure you take precautions but don’t let them ruin your experience
Full Face Snorkel Mask Deaths
There have been a handful of deaths associated with full face snorkel masks, but it’s important to note that these incidents are rare. Most of the deaths that have been reported were due to drowning, and in many cases, it’s unclear if the mask played a role in the individual’s death.
However, there are some safety concerns associated with full face masks. Because the mask covers the entire face, it can be difficult to remove if there is an emergency. Additionally, if water leaks into the mask, it can be difficult to clear the water and breathe properly. For these reasons, it’s important to only use a full face mask if you are an experienced snorkeler and comfortable using the mask.
How to Prevent Full Face Snorkel Mask Deaths
In the past few years, there have been a handful of reports in the news about people dying while wearing full face snorkel masks. While the number of deaths is still relatively low, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved in using these devices.
There are a few steps you can take to help prevent full face snorkel mask deaths:
- only buy masks that are certified by a recognized organization such as CE or ANSI.
- make sure the mask fits properly before using it.
- follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
- don’t use the mask if there are any leaks.
- be cautious when using the mask around children, as they may be more susceptible to dangers such as CO2 build-up.
Conclusion
While full face snorkel masks offer a unique and novel experience, they are not without their dangers. The potential for serious injury or death is real and present. We believe that the advantages of full face snorkel masks do not outweigh the risks, and recommend avoiding them altogether.