Last Updated: December 11, 2023
Keeping water out of your snorkel is an essential thing to do when snorkeling. You need your snorkel tube dry, the mouthpiece snug, and the mask fitting so you can enjoy your snorkeling exploits.
However, several factors may cause water to get in your snorkel. Your snorkeling skills and the condition of your gear are some of the aspects determining if you prevent, or get leaks in your snorkel.
Read on to know the precautions you may use to avoid flooding your snorkeling equipment.
Why Does My Snorkel Fill with Water?
Snorkeling happens in expansive water bodies where multiple factors may cause your snorkel to leak in water.
The following reasons may cause water to get in your gear.
Diving too deep
The most common cause of snorkel filling with water is going too deep. Deep diving submerges the open end of the snorkel in water, consequently flooding it. Be careful to keep the snorkel above the water whenever swimming to avoid this mishap.
Tumultuous water conditions
If you snorkel in rough and wavy waters, your snorkel is likely to fill with water. Avoid snorkeling in such conditions with high waves that may submerge and flood your snorkel gear.
Damaged or clogged valve
A malfunctioning or clogged valve may let water in instead of keeping it out. Ensure your snorkel is in perfect condition and well-maintained before using it.
Poor breathing techniques
Forceful and fast breathing may cause you to draw in water instead of air. Control breathing to slow and steady patterns to allow air to leave through the snorkel tube regularly.
Inappropriate type of snorkel
Snorkels come in different types to suit various circumstances, such as the experience of the snorkeler, shallow water snorkeling or deep diving swimming. Using a snorkel that suits your circumstances will prevent water leaking inside your equipment.
Ill-fitting snorkel
An ill-fitting snorkel is uncomfortable and also at risk of filling with water. The water floods through the space between the snorkel pipe and the mouthpiece. To avoid such problems, invest in a perfect-fit and snug snorkel.
How Do You Not Get Water in Your Mouth When Snorkeling?
You may use the following techniques to avoid getting water into your mouth when swimming:
- Be relaxed: Remaining calm while in the waters will conserve your energy and regulate your breathing. It will also enable you to be in control of your snorkel gear, hence avoiding any water leaks.
- Use appropriate gear: Proper fitting equipment in good condition will keep water out of your snorkel. Ensure your essential items; the mask, snorkel, and fins are snug and leak proof.
- Breathing control: Learn how to breathe properly to avoid swallowing water. Adequate breathing skills will aid you to breathe through the mouth using a snorkel pipe without drawing in water.
- Use a full-face snorkel mask: A full-face mask covers the entire face and has a built-in dry snorkel. The full-face snorkel mask is more comfortable than a regular one, since it keeps your face from the water, and you can breathe through the nose.
- Body position: To avoid swallowing water, have your face down in the water, lean slightly forward, and relax the arms. Propel ahead using your feet only to avoid water splashes. Also, it’s a good idea to always keep your head above the water.
How to Prevent Your Snorkel from Flooding
There are several measures that you may use to prevent your water from leaking into your snorkel.
1. Breathing techniques
Proper breathing techniques enable you to exhale naturally through the mouth using a snorkel. Practice calm, steady, and deep breathing that are regular. Forceful and uncontrolled breathing patterns may draw in water instead of air.
2. Snorkel in calm conditions
To avoid water leakages, go for snorkeling expeditions when the water is calm and the weather conducive. It is possible to control your movements and gear when snorkeling in quiet waters during a warm day.
3. Get a dry snorkel
There a several types of snorkels, but a dry snorkel is the best option. A dry snorkel has a float valve that completely seals the snorkel to prevent water from filling the snorkel.
4. Fitting gear
The fitting of your snorkel gear will determine if you will enjoy or endure your snorkeling exploit. Use proper equipment that is tight enough to prevent water leakage.
5. Swim on the water’s surface
Swim on the water surface keeping the top of the head above the water. If you submerge your head into the waters, you will likely drag in your snorkel and flood it with water.
My unbounded love for the oceans and everything it has to offer motivated me to pursue my passion and become a professional scuba diving instructor.
I keep reading, exploring, and learning more about scuba diving and the underwater world all the time, so I’m excited to share my knowledge with fellow scuba enthusiasts and hopefully contribute a little to your development as a diver. I want people to fall in love with the oceans with as much passion as I have. Read more about me here.