Question: Since it’s been reported that two of the most recent drowning deaths involved snorkelers who were wearing full-face snorkel masks, I am wondering whether there is anyone in the state examining the safety of this relatively new gear. Is anyone collecting data on this?
Answer: Yes, although it doesn’t sound like official findings will be available right away.
Of nine ocean-related deaths off Maui in the past two weeks, five involved snorkelers, according to news reports. Two victims were using one-piece, full-face snorkel gear, and three were using traditional two-piece sets, with separate mask and snorkel. The other four men who died Jan. 14-28 weren’t snorkeling.
Janice Okuba, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Health, offered information from the department’s Injury Prevention Program in response to your question:
“The Hawaii State Drowning and Aquatic Injury Prevention Advisory Committee, which includes ocean safety representation from all counties, is convened quarterly by the Department of Health. A subcommittee on snorkeling safety has been formed under the Advisory, given the high number of fatal incidents in Hawaii. The group is interested in examining all risks associated with snorkeling, including full-faced masks.
“Lifeguard personnel have started collecting more specific data on mask type for the incidents they respond to, and that data will eventually be compiled and forwarded to DOH for analysis. It would also be useful to collect such data from autopsy records of drowning victims, to the extent equipment is routinely described. Even with such data in place, however, it is difficult to examine ‘risk’ of one type of snorkel vs. the other. Simply put, such a study would require data on both survivors and decedents who used each type of equipment.
“Regardless of type of equipment used, however, the DOH and Advisory strongly advocate for safe ocean activities as much as possible. This includes going to lifeguarded beaches, swimming/snorkeling with a ‘buddy’ (or in the presence of others), being aware of dangerous ocean conditions, and awareness of personal skill limitations and health issues.”
Maui County has been collecting data since January 2017 on the type of equipment involved in snorkeling deaths; it is expected to take a couple of years to compile enough data to reach sound conclusions, the Maui News reported.
Critics of the full-face masks say they can trap carbon dioxide from exhaled air and are harder to remove if the snorkeler needs to clear the mask of water. Fans say they provide a better view and make it simpler to breathe than with a traditional snorkel. The full-face mask covers the user’s eyes, nose and mouth and has an air tube that protrudes above the forehead.
As the statistics indicate, snorkeling is a strenuous activity that can be dangerous regardless of which gear is used. Ocean activities of all types carry risks, for that matter. While five of the recent victims were snorkeling, four were not; one was fishing, one was swimming and two were scuba diving, according to news reports.
All nine victims were men, two from Maui and seven visitors. All were middle-age or older, with five over 60; the oldest was 71.
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