39 thoughts on “A Connection Between Hawaii Snorkeling Drowning and Air Travel?”
Maria E
Hello, my husband died last year, on September 17th, snorkeling in Maui’s beautiful Napili Bay.
He was an excellent swimmer and very comfortable swimming in the ocean. He passed away within 24 hours of our much anticipated vacation. We couldn’t wait to get snorkel equipment from Snorkel Bob’s, little did we know that this would be fatal. Had we any knowledge that snorkeling could be fatal, we would have waited at least a few days to go out. His death is listed as “probable Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease” but I was with him and I know that he died of ROPE. I am glad that there is more awareness about this issue, but people are still dying. Why? Because people don’t know about it. This needs to become widespread public knowledge.
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope hotels and websites start sharing the information about ROPE. I never really heard about it until now after looking up causes of drownings in Hawaii. I was born in Hawaii and visit almost every year. I can understand hypoxia because I am a RN and think it’s crazy that it’s taken so long for people to realize the cause of death for so many people who snorkel.
Thank you for this info! I have a snorkeling trip lined up 4 days after I arrive. Now I’m wondering if I should push it to the last day I’m there just to be safe!
Kelly, I would think that waiting 4 days should be long enough, but if you’re going with an organized group, I would make sure that they are aware of the possible dangers.
Excellent article, helpful info. Statistics were eye opening! Always used separate mask and snorkel. Breathing from your mask probably makes you inhale too much CO2 not being blown out of the mask. The buildup will kill you.
Very good point! I have spent hundreds of hours snorkeling & free diving over the last 60 years or so, and was SCUBA certified in the late ’70’s, though I did not stay with it – too much gear & prep for the water time!
We were just on Kauai, and noticed that a lot of people, obviously new, had those full face masks with the snorkel on top – others had more conventional masks, but fancy snorkels with lots of gadgets top and bottom.
I have a very simple US dives snorkel with a wide diameter, simple, close curve at the mouth piece, and straight pipe after that. Gives good volume, and very easy to clear even if I don’t have much of a breath left after a dive or taking on water in a wave.
The snorkeling mask should be goggles separate from the Breathing tube. Do not use the full face combination type where you can breathe through the nose.
I think it would be helpful to have a water safety instructional video shown on every flight. It should include warning signs, how to identify unsafe conditions etc. Not every hotel, airbnb or condo has a booklet.
Thanks for the great info. I’m an excellent swimmer in my 50’s, who just enjoyed a week swimming the beaches of Oahu, including Waikiki. I noticed that calm beaches can become more treacherous in just minutes and would advise anyone to not take chances, no matter how well they swim. Never swim too far from shore and always know where shallow water is in case trouble ensues in the water. Also, always swim beaches that are protected by lifeguards.
Hello, my husband died last year, on September 17th, snorkeling in Maui’s beautiful Napili Bay.
He was an excellent swimmer and very comfortable swimming in the ocean. He passed away within 24 hours of our much anticipated vacation. We couldn’t wait to get snorkel equipment from Snorkel Bob’s, little did we know that this would be fatal. Had we any knowledge that snorkeling could be fatal, we would have waited at least a few days to go out. His death is listed as “probable Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease” but I was with him and I know that he died of ROPE. I am glad that there is more awareness about this issue, but people are still dying. Why? Because people don’t know about it. This needs to become widespread public knowledge.
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope hotels and websites start sharing the information about ROPE. I never really heard about it until now after looking up causes of drownings in Hawaii. I was born in Hawaii and visit almost every year. I can understand hypoxia because I am a RN and think it’s crazy that it’s taken so long for people to realize the cause of death for so many people who snorkel.
Thank you for this info! I have a snorkeling trip lined up 4 days after I arrive. Now I’m wondering if I should push it to the last day I’m there just to be safe!
Kelly, I would think that waiting 4 days should be long enough, but if you’re going with an organized group, I would make sure that they are aware of the possible dangers.
Enjoy and be safe.
Thanks for this informative article! Great warning and helpful preventative measures.
Excellent article, helpful info. Statistics were eye opening! Always used separate mask and snorkel. Breathing from your mask probably makes you inhale too much CO2 not being blown out of the mask. The buildup will kill you.
Very good point! I have spent hundreds of hours snorkeling & free diving over the last 60 years or so, and was SCUBA certified in the late ’70’s, though I did not stay with it – too much gear & prep for the water time!
We were just on Kauai, and noticed that a lot of people, obviously new, had those full face masks with the snorkel on top – others had more conventional masks, but fancy snorkels with lots of gadgets top and bottom.
I have a very simple US dives snorkel with a wide diameter, simple, close curve at the mouth piece, and straight pipe after that. Gives good volume, and very easy to clear even if I don’t have much of a breath left after a dive or taking on water in a wave.
It may be the same reason why young people fall off their feet, pilots die during flight… unknown cause of death 🤫
The snorkeling mask should be goggles separate from the Breathing tube. Do not use the full face combination type where you can breathe through the nose.
I think it would be helpful to have a water safety instructional video shown on every flight. It should include warning signs, how to identify unsafe conditions etc. Not every hotel, airbnb or condo has a booklet.
Thanks for the great info. I’m an excellent swimmer in my 50’s, who just enjoyed a week swimming the beaches of Oahu, including Waikiki. I noticed that calm beaches can become more treacherous in just minutes and would advise anyone to not take chances, no matter how well they swim. Never swim too far from shore and always know where shallow water is in case trouble ensues in the water. Also, always swim beaches that are protected by lifeguards.
Very interesting article. How many locals still snorkel by comparison to the incoming old tourists?
Thank you, this is really important to know about ROPE as a snorkeling hazard. As a local I never heard about this.
What type of mask is most commonly used amongst those who have drowned?
Let’s not forgwt the full face mask has been link to lack of oxygen. The star advertiser posted about this.