Why do we need a snorkel while diving?
by Cindy
in Blog
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The snorkel, an essential tool, really?

When we discuss with diver from all around the world, we realize that divers have many different practices regarding the snorkel, and many different ideas of its usage. It’s good to remember that a survey in 2014 from Edmonds et al. indicated that 25% of fatal incidents started at the surface, and 50% of the divers died at the surface… So how can your snorkel help you? And why is it essential?

First, your snorkel is made to be useful at the surface, and to provide you air to breathe. IE after a dive when you arrive at the surface and meet big waves, if your tank is empty or almost empty, you will be happy to remove your regulator and put your snorkel in your mouth and not swallow water after each wave (which could be dangerous). You should never be at the surface in deep water without anything in your mouth.

Another example could be if you surface far away from the boat or simply if you don’t do a boat dive and you must swim at the surface. Before the dive you probably don’t want to start using the gas from your tank and at the end if your tank is empty or almost empty, again you will be happy to remove your regulator and put your snorkel in your mouth to breathe easily.

One essential and wise rule in diving is to always protect your airways, and thereby, at the surface always have a snorkel to do it ;-)

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