As someone who spends every possible moment on or in the water-whether I'm paddling out for a surf session, descending into a reef for a deeper look, or simply floating face-down watching the world beneath the surface-I've heard just about every snorkeling myth there is. And I've seen too many people get into trouble because they believed them. Let's clear the water on a few of the most dangerous misconceptions.
Myth #1: Snorkeling is a low-risk, benign activity
This is probably the most pervasive myth-and the most dangerous. Recreational snorkeling is not a benign, low-risk activity. This is true for both inexperienced swimmers and experienced water enthusiasts alike. According to the Snorkel Safety Study and the Hawai‘i Department of Health, snorkeling-related drownings have been rising at alarming rates, particularly among visitors to places like Hawai‘i.
The reality is that snorkeling involves immersion, exertion, and breathing through a device that adds resistance-all of which can stress your body in ways you might not expect. The study found that a condition called Snorkel-Induced Rapid Onset Pulmonary Edema (SI-ROPE) is a common factor in snorkel-related drowning and near-drowning events. This isn't about panic or poor swimming skills-it's a physiological response where fluid accumulates in the lungs due to the negative pressure created when you inhale against resistance while floating face-down.
What you should do: Treat snorkeling with the same respect you'd give any water activity. Stay where you can touch the bottom comfortably. Swim with a buddy. And if you feel sudden shortness of breath, fatigue, or weakness-remove your mask immediately, roll onto your back, signal for help, and get out of the water.
Myth #2: If you can swim, you can snorkel safely
I've seen Olympic-level swimmers get into trouble while snorkeling. Swimming fitness doesn't automatically translate to snorkeling safety. The difference is that when you snorkel, you're breathing through a tube while floating face-down-which changes your breathing mechanics, your body position, and your ability to respond to unexpected situations.
The Snorkel Safety Study found that lack of swimming or snorkeling experience was rarely a factor in snorkelers getting into trouble. Instead, the key risk factors were:
- The degree of the snorkel's resistance to inhalation
- Certain pre-existing medical conditions
- Increased exertion
What you should do: If you can't swim confidently in open water, don't snorkel. But even if you're a strong swimmer, practice with your equipment in shallow, calm water first. Learn how your body responds when breathing through a snorkel before venturing into deeper water.
Myth #3: Full-face snorkel masks are safer than traditional snorkels
This is a myth that's been directly contradicted by the data. In the Snorkel Safety Study, 38% of near-drowning incidents involved a full-face mask, and 90% of those who wore a full-face mask considered it a contributing factor to their trouble.
Full-face masks have several inherent challenges:
- They cannot be removed easily in urgent situations, even with quick-release features
- You cannot "spit out" a mouthpiece in an emergency
- You cannot clear water from the breathing tube with a sharp expiratory force maneuver
- You cannot dive beneath the surface safely
- Valve malfunction can lead to serious consequences
At Seaview 180, our masks are designed for surface snorkeling only, with features intended to improve airflow separation and comfort. But no mask-including ours-eliminates the inherent risks of snorkeling. The simpler the snorkel design, generally the less resistance it generates.
What you should do: Choose your snorkel device thoughtfully. Avoid constrictions in bore size or mouthpiece caliber that may increase resistance to inhalation. Try your equipment in a safe environment first.
Myth #4: Drowning while snorkeling always looks like drowning
Here's the truth that surprised even me: most snorkel-related drownings are silent. They don't involve thrashing, splashing, or calling for help. The typical sequence of a SI-ROPE drowning is:
- Sudden shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of strength
- Feeling of panic, doom, need for assistance
- Diminishing consciousness
Because snorkel-related incidents often occur quickly and without obvious struggle, it's difficult for an observer to distinguish between someone in distress and someone enjoying snorkeling. Many victims are found floating face-down with few, if any, signs of distress.
What you should do: Watch your buddy closely. If someone stops moving, seems disoriented, or is floating unusually still, check on them immediately. If you feel short of breath yourself, don't try to "tough it out"-exit the water right away.
Myth #5: You can snorkel right after a long flight
If you've just flown to a tropical destination, you might be eager to hit the water. But the Snorkel Safety Study found that prolonged air travel may be a significant risk factor for SI-ROPE. The study notes that long-haul flights expose you to hours of mild hypoxemia (low oxygen), which can compromise the integrity of the delicate membranes in your lungs.
The Hawai‘i Department of Health's snorkeling safety guide recommends: "Consider waiting 2-3 days after extended air travel before snorkeling." This isn't just about jet lag-it's about giving your body time to recover from the physiological stress of air travel.
What you should do: Give yourself a couple of days to acclimate after flying before you snorkel. Use that time to explore the beach, practice with your equipment in shallow water, and let your body recover.
Myth #6: Snorkeling is safe for everyone regardless of health
If you have a heart condition, respiratory issues, or any cardiovascular concerns, snorkeling may not be safe for you. The Snorkel Safety Study found that 44% of snorkel-related deaths involved individuals with cardiac disease likely to have increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Even subclinical conditions-ones you might not know you have-can increase your risk.
What you should do: If you have any doubts about your cardiovascular health, don't snorkel. Consult your doctor before engaging in any water activity that involves exertion and immersion.
Myth #7: The snorkel itself doesn't matter much
Actually, the design of your snorkel matters a great deal. The Snorkel Safety Study measured airway resistance in 50 different snorkel devices and found that resistance varies dramatically-and it's nearly impossible to judge by looking at the device. The technicians in the study correctly guessed which snorkels had high resistance only 26% of the time when tested at higher flow rates.
At Seaview 180, we've engineered our masks with features intended to reduce CO₂ buildup compared to earlier full-face snorkel mask designs, using testing methodologies inspired by respiratory and diving equipment standards. But no snorkel eliminates breathing resistance entirely.
What you should do: Search for snorkels that advertise low resistance. Inhale large volumes of air through the snorkel before buying to get a feel for inspiratory resistance. And always try your equipment in a safe, shallow environment first.
Final Thoughts
Snorkeling is one of the most beautiful ways to experience the ocean. I've spent countless hours floating above reefs, watching sea turtles glide past, and feeling that childlike wonder every time I put my face in the water. But it demands respect, preparation, and awareness.
The responsibility for your safety lies primarily with you. Know your equipment, know your limits, know the conditions, and never hesitate to exit the water if something feels wrong. The ocean will be there tomorrow-make sure you are too.
