Every now and then, we come across a new idea and think, “Wow! Why didn’t I think of that?” The Snorkelbuoy® is one of those ideas; a compact, lightweight accessory that attaches to a snorkel and has enough buoyancy to float both a snorkel and mask in fresh or salt water. It’s a simple concept that makes a lot of sense. With it, the snorkeler is more visible and the loss of the snorkel and mask is less likely. It’s an accessory that every snorkeler might consider investing in and it has uses for freedivers and SCUBA Divers as well.
Constructed from a strong foam material, the well-made Snorkelbuoy® is built to last. It measures just 3½” long and 2 ½” in diameter and fits standard diameter snorkel tubes. The bright red color with a white diagonal stripe adds visibility and it’s available with reflective tape for night use. Each Snorkelbuoy® is packaged with easy to follow directions for quick installation. It securely attaches by slipping over the snorkel tube and can be removed for storage or to use on a different snorkel.
Tests of the Snorkelbuoy® proved that it does everything it says it will do, and more. We tried the Snorkelbuoy® in a pool, in a fresh water river, and in the ocean. A snorkel with a mask attached floated with ease in both salt and fresh water but the additional buoyancy was almost unnoticeable when diving below the surface. The Snorkelbuoy® also stabilized the snorkel while swimming underwater. The snorkel tended to remain more upright and wobbled less while swimming with it submerged.
The main function of the Snorkelbuoy® is to prevent mask and snorkel loss. On the surface, it works very well, but what happens at depth? If a SCUBA diver or freediver’s mask is dislodged at depth, it will quickly fall deeper, requiring fast action to recover it. In deeper water, with a current, or with the diver not near the bottom this can mean the permanent loss of the mask. With the added buoyancy of the Snorkelbuoy®, a dislodged mask gently begins to float toward the surface. It has just enough buoyancy for it to rise but not so much that it rises too quickly. This allows recovery by just following as it slowly makes its way to the surface.
This has added safety benefits for both SCUBA divers and freedivers. A mask loss presents a minor emergency because the diver has dramatically reduced vision. Instead of having to swim deeper to recover the mask, the diver just begins to ascend toward the surface. If successful, the diver can replace it and continue the dive. If the diver is unable to recover it the ascent can continue slowly and the mask will be found floating on the surface. Those above will see the lost mask and will be aware of the emergency.
In recreational areas throughout the world, snorkeling is a popular activity and group outings are common. Often, the snorkelers have little experience and the potential for lost masks is great. The Snorkelbuoy® provides an ideal solution. For those taking groups on snorkeling trips, or who provide snorkeling equipment for rental, the Snorkelbuoy® would be very beneficial by reducing equipment loss and making snorkelers more visible in the water.
For individual snorkelers, freedivers, and recreational divers who use snorkels the Snorkelbuoy® makes a lot of sense as well. It’s an economical investment that can prevent the loss of equipment and make your diving a little safer. For those divers using expensive prescription masks or masks with cameras attached the Snorkelbuoy® makes even more sense and could prevent hundreds of dollars from going down the drain.
The Snorkelbuoy® literature also suggests other uses, like underwater photography, and we agree. It’s a durable and versatile product that can be used anywhere added buoyancy is called for in the diving world. And, who doesn’t like the red and white “Diver Down Flag” motif?
The Snorkelbuoy® is a great idea. It’s well made and easy to use. With a price tag under $15.00, it makes a large contribution to water safety. The robust construction will provide years of use and make your snorkeling and diving safer and more enjoyable.
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