Snorkels do not hold air underwater. Unlike scuba diving where you have a separate air supply, snorkels are designed to allow you to breathe while your face is submerged in the water, but only at the surface. The purpose of a snorkel is to allow you to stay in a horizontal position with your face down in the water, while still being able to breathe.
When you use a snorkel, the breathing tube extends above the water’s surface, allowing you to inhale and exhale without lifting your head out of the water. The tube has a mouthpiece that you bite down on, creating a seal, and a purge valve at the bottom to drain out any water that may enter the snorkel.
However, if the snorkel dips below the water’s surface, whether due to a wave splashing over you or if you dive underwater, the tube can fill up with water. This happens because the snorkel is not designed to keep water out when fully submerged. The water enters through the top of the snorkel, displacing the air inside and making it impossible to breathe.
To avoid water entering the snorkel, it is important to keep the breathing tube above the water’s surface at all times. This means being mindful of waves and not fully submerging the snorkel when diving underwater. Some snorkels come with a splash guard or a dry top, which helps to minimize water entry even when briefly submerged, but they are not foolproof.
It is also worth noting that snorkels have a limited air capacity. The volume of air inside the tube is relatively small, so if you hold your breath for an extended period of time, you may run out of air. It is important to remember to breathe regularly and not rely solely on the air in the snorkel.
In my personal experience, I have encountered situations where my snorkel filled with water unexpectedly. For example, when swimming in rougher waters with larger waves, it is more challenging to keep the breathing tube consistently above the water’s surface. Additionally, when diving underwater to get a closer look at marine life, it is easy to forget to keep the snorkel properly positioned. These instances serve as a reminder of the limitations of snorkels and the importance of maintaining awareness while using them.
To summarize, snorkels do not hold air underwater. They allow you to breathe while your face is submerged in the water at the surface. If the snorkel dips below the water’s surface, it can fill up with water, making it impossible to breathe. It is crucial to keep the breathing tube above the water and be mindful of waves and diving underwater. Snorkels have a limited air capacity, so regular breathing is necessary.