SAFETY continued
before the ocean forces them to do so. 2. The Silent Passengers: Pre-Existing Medical Issues As we age, our bodies naturally change. Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diminished lung capacity can quietly advance without causing major disruption to our daily, land-based lives. However, immersion in water alters your circulatory system. The water pressure pushes blood from your extremities into your chest cavity, forcing your heart to work harder. If you add the physical exertion of kicking against a current and the adrenaline of being in open water, an underlying cardiac condition can suddenly manifest as a catastrophic medical event. Never assume that because you feel fine on land, you are perfectly fine in the water. If you are an older adult planning to snorkel, have a candid conversation with your physician first. Ensure your blood pressure is well-controlled and that your heart is up to the task of strenuous exercise. 3. The Hidden Threat: Immersion Pulmonary Edema (IPE) There is a specific, often misunderstood medical emergency that every older snorkeler and swimmer must be aware of: Immersion Pulmonary Edema (IPE) .
better. 4. The Full-Face Snorkel Mask Dilemma
In recent years, full-face snorkel masks have flooded the market. They are marketed as an easy solution for beginners because they allow one to breathe through your nose and mouth simultaneously. While they may appear convenient, these masks can present serious risks, particularly for older adults: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Retention: A poorly designed ▪ or cheap knockoff mask can fail to adequately flush out an exhaled breath. This causes a person to rebreathe their own CO2. High CO2 levels cause dizziness, confusion, and a sensation of suffocation, which triggers panic. Airway Management Obstruction: If water leaks into a ▪ traditional mask, you simply spit out your snorkel and clear it. If a full-face mask floods or the breathing valve malfunctions, the entire mask fills with water, covering the eyes, nose, and mouth. Removing the mask in a panic while trying to stay afloat is incredibly difficult and has led to rapid drowning. The Recommendation: Discourage your customers from ▪ using full-face snorkel masks. The alternative is to use a
traditional, high-quality dive mask with a separate snorkel. This com- bination may be easier to clear, safer to remove in an emergency, and less likely to present the same risks of gas retention. What Can Dive Professionals and ▪ Dive Operators Do to Be Pre- pared for Older Divers and Snorkelers?
Fluid Buildup in Alveoli During Pulmonary Edema. Source: British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC). IPE occurs when fluid from the bloodstream shifts unexpectedly into the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs, essentially causing a person to drown from the inside out. It can strike completely healthy-looking indi- viduals, but older adults, especially those with high blood pressure or heart conditions, are at a significantly higher risk. A combination of cold water, hy- drostatic pressure pushing blood
Dive operators and professionals must recognize that "mature" snorkelers, even those who appear exceptionally fit, may face distinct physiological risks that differ from their scuba diving counterparts. The physical demands of surface swim- ming, dealing with currents, and clearing a snorkel can place sudden, unexpected stress on the cardiovascular system. To ensure our older guests have a safe, unforgettable expe- rience, we need to shift our mindset from passive supervision to proactive risk management. Here is how we can elevate our standard of care: 1. Robust, Conversational Screening Standard liability waivers are necessary, but they rarely tell SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY | 9
into the chest, and negative pressure created in the chest when breathing hard through a snorkel can trigger IPE. It may begin with unexplained shortness of breath, a persistent cough, or a feeling that your guest "can't catch their breath" despite floating easily. If your customer experiences any un- expected breathing difficulty or starts coughing up pinkish, frothy sputum, have them exit the water immediately and seek emergency medical care. Do not wait to see if it gets
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