How to Dive Down Safely While Snorkelling

Diving Deeper, Equalising Ear Pressure and Clearing a Snorkel Tube

May 13, 2009

Diving down deeper while snorkelling gives a better view of fish, coral and other sea creatures. Equalising ear pressure will be necessary to avoid pain in the ears.

Snorkelling on the water's surface allows the snorkeller to get a good view of the colourful fish and coral living below. Diving down deeper gives a better view, but it is important to equalise ear pressure to prevent the ears from hurting.

How to Equalise Ear Pressure

Diving down deeper below the water’s surface increases pressure in the ears. This pressure is nothing to be concerned about, but it does need to be equalised. Neglecting to equalise ear pressure will cause pain. To equalise safely, pinch the nose and blow out gently (do not exhale forcefully; it may cause damage) and the ears will respond with a slight popping sound. This technique is known as the Valsalva manoeuvre. Swallowing, and moving the jaw can also be helpful.

Begin equalising ear pressure as soon as descent below the water’s surface begins, and repeat regularly every few feet. Do not wait until the ears begin to feel uncomfortable. If there is difficulty equalising ear pressure, do not dive down any deeper, it will hurt, and may even cause injury. Instead, swim back up to the water’s surface, breathe, and then try diving down again. After some practice, equalising ear pressure gets easier, and doing it regularly becomes second nature.

Diving down deeper also increases pressure in the snorkel mask, causing it to push against the face. Blowing a little air out through the nose will help to equalise this pressure.

Swimming Back up to the Water’s Surface and Clearing the Snorkel Tube

While swimming back up to the water’s surface to breathe, look upwards and hold one arm straight out and up for safety reasons. This prevents a bang on the head in case of accidentally ascending towards a floating object such as a boat. It also helps to improve a diver’s visibility when he or she breaks the water’s surface.

During the time spent diving down, the snorkel tube will have filled with water, and it won’t be possible to breathe through it until the water is cleared. When arriving back at the water’s surface, exhale quickly through the snorkel tube to blow the water out.

If there is insufficient air in the lungs, it won’t be possible to blow the water out in order to clear the snorkel tube. If this happens, when reaching the surface, take the snorkel out of the mouth, turn the head to the side, take a breath in, place the snorkel back in the mouth and then exhale.

The ability to dive down safely while snorkelling greatly enhances a snorkelling adventure. Much lies beneath the surface of the water that is worth closer investigation.

U.S. Divers. (2006). Enhancing Your Snorkeling Adventure. (DVD). USA: Aqualung.

The copyright of the article How to Dive Down Safely While Snorkelling in Swimming & Diving is owned by Sharon Kirby. Permission to republish How to Dive Down Safely While Snorkelling in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.