This advisory is not directly related to SCUBA diving, but because many dive equipment retailers also sell full-face snorkel masks (FFSM) (as distinct from full-face SCUBA masks that incorporate a regulator second stage), divers may encounter these products. This recent innovation is popular with novice and vacation snorkelers as well as children, but full-face snorkel masks have safety concerns and are suspected of being a factor in some serious accidents and fatalities. Recent research by Divers Alert Network concluded that many FFSMs do not work as advertised and others may increase risk to the snorkeler. The dangers may be related to specific designs and/or manufacturing quality but one fact is clear: all full-face snorkel masks need formal training for proper use; a fact sometimes overlooked or obscured in their marketing and sales.
