Ahhh, YES! Cheap masks will feel uncomfortable and leak if the silicone is a low grade and doesn't have the flexibility needed to give a good seal around the face. All rights reserved. The masks have a bellows style face seal, molded from silicone rubber, uses a "spring profile" and sealing surface. The CO2 build-up is not an issue with the masks you have. Often, in order to create a reasonable seal with the cheaper masks, people over-tighten the straps. ET; Messages can be left anytimeCall to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Check out the fun, Ninja Shark Australia Full Face Snorkel Masks Range for Adults and Kids, New to Full Face Snorkel Masks? | Modern Slavery Statement. To be honest, one lady didn't enjoy the feel of the mask on her face, but she was the exception. Heres what you need to know. Ocean Reef at 800-922-1764 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., email at operator@oceanreefgroup.com or online at https://oceanreefgroup.comand click on Recall for more information. Get a good known brand, and enjoy life. This allows you to get it off your head faster than ever. The product is also not CE marked and there is no Declaration of Conformity. This new air circulation design eliminates fogging and the need for a mouthpiece. Ive heard this is happening in Hawaii by some tour operators, but I also know there are resort hotels in Hawaii that are buying full face masks by the hundreds to hire out to their guests. CPSC.gov is an official website of the United States government. Fogging in the orinasal pocket is not a problem at all, but it is when it occurs in the bottom section of the mask only. Manufacturer: Ocean Reef Inc., of San Marcos, Calif. This is such a shame. Always go for good quality stuff. I must admit, I felt sick when I read about the spate of drowning deaths of snorkelers in Hawaii being attributed to unsafe full face snorkel masks. I had no coughing or choking but I do remember getting saltwater in my eyes a couple of times and having to stop and empty and reset the mask. Consumers can look up their Ocean Reef mask's serial number to see if it is affected by this recall at www.oceanfgroup.com. If your health is poor, or you just don't feel up to it, then snorkeling isn't for you. Safety First: Best Snorkel Techniques and Tools for a Safe Swim, Learning to Snorkel? Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled diving masks and contact Ocean Reef for instructions on the return of their mask for a free replacement, or refund. If you'd like to read more about each of these masks, click the image below so see full reviews. A fuse in the ATVs electrical system can fail during operation, which can result in sudden loss of engine power and headlights, posing a crash hazard. Some only used them in areas where they could stand and enjoyed looking at the fish, others swam around with them. These issues are all due to these being made with inferior quality products. One well known manufacturer of full-face snorkel masks is Ocean Reef. I get to test and review big name brand full face masks as well as the lesser known 'knock off's'. Thanks for sharing this. Following the unveiling of the Easybreath model along with other brands at international scuba and snorkel equipment shows in 2015, full face snorkel masks gained popularity very quickly with snorkelers worldwide. The design comes from more than 25 years of experience in the military, professional and recreational full face mask gas and scuba markets. This recall involves Ocean Reefs Neptune Space Integrated Diving Masks. 2022 www.dispatch.com. The masks look radically different from a traditional snorkel and mask, and a lot of work has gone into the design of a safe breathing system. See their statement below. Causes are currently under investigation and include challenges with equipment, fatigue, changes in O2/ CO2 concentration, medical conditions, the effects of air travel, as well as other factors. Snorkeling, swimming, and anything involving the ocean always includes an element of risk. They make full face SCUBA masks as well as their Aria full face snorkel mask. CPSC Consumer Information HotlineContact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054)Times: 8 a.m. 5:30 p.m. The choice of a quality mask that will last years, or something that's good for one season only, and may or may not be made well, is completely up to you. Still wondering whether to get a full face snorkel mask? By joining a vetted educational platform built for new traders, you will be taken step by step by a former hedge fund trader who managed billions of dollars. My family along with some friends, recently went to a popular local swimming spot with my collection of full face snorkel masks. Click to Find Out How! Consumers can look up their Ocean Reef masks serial number to see if it is affected by this recall at https://oceanreefgroup.com. WASHINGTON, April 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/Ocean-Reef-Recalls-Neptune-Space-Integrated-Diving-Masks-Due-to-Injury-Hazard, Name of Product: Neptune Space Integrated Diving Masks. OceanREEF have discovered that one piece of instrumentation used during the production of many of their Full Face Masks was used uncalibrated that could result in inproper function of some of their masks. The circulation system on good full face masks keeps fresh air for inhalation completely separate from the CO2 exhaled. How do full face masks work and do you need to worry about CO2? These masks were designed to increase the enjoyment of snorkelers.Ocean Reefs masks are designed so that users breathe in fresh air, and eliminate spent air containing high CO2 content, safely and comfortably.With reference to 'knock-off versions, we believe that those which have been produced without understanding of, or non-adherence to, the same safety designs as Ocean Reefs, may be a cause of reported discomfort to users. Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission. If your Serial Number does not show on this page or in OceanREEFs Official Recall Letter then you are safe to use your mask. There are plenty of other ways to view the underwater world while visiting Hawaii, such as glass bottom boat tours. ET; Messages can be left anytimeCall to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products. At the moment it only has Hawaii operators but will be expanded to other popular snorkeling spots. The new Ocean Reef Aria model now comes with 'quick release' straps. No injuries or fatalities have been reported because of this but OceanREEF belive that it could cause restricted airflow, posing an injury hazard to divers. Please contact Ocean Reef at [emailprotected] and/or call 800-922-1764 (toll free) or 760-744-9430 to obtain return instructions. By creating a pocket for breathing that is separate from the viewing area means people can breathe using both their mouth and nose. This, as well as the lack of a mouth piece and the elimination of fogging are the main reasons full face masks have become popular so quickly. Order a Jetty Snorkel Vest Now directly from Wildhorn. Hopefully, youll find some really useful information so that your beach and holiday adventures stay fun, safe and enjoyable. This will be continually updated. All rights reserved. The buckle on the leg loops, when worn with a load-rated belt, can loosen and slip, posing a fall hazard. The Myth: You don't need to know how to swim to go snorkeling. Sold At: Diving stores nationwide and online at www.oceanreefgroup.mybigcommerce.com from March 2018 through November 2018 for between $700 and $1,600. These quality designs are being poorly copied in China and sold to international markets. For more lifesaving information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSCand Twitter @USCPSCor sign up to receive our e-mail alerts. There are so many 1-star reviews of the cheap knock-off brands on Amazon. There are full face snorkel masks that are a real waste of money, as well as others that will be okay, but not great. The masks are proving to be a huge success, and once something becomes a hit, others want to cash in on the success. Well, the same principle applies to any product including these snorkel masks. Many disappointed reviewers mention how the dry snorkel float gets stuck in the tube cutting off air, or of masks leaking in joins because the pieces don't fit together properly, and snorkel tubes breaking easily when connecting or disconnecting. Description:This recall involves Ocean Reef's Neptune Space Integrated Diving Masks. Corrective action: Safety warning issued by Health and Safety Executive. The full face scuba masks come in a variety of colors and sizes. This style of breathing feels natural and is a big plus for many snorkelers. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. I take pride in recommending good quality, and safe gear. (PRNewsfoto/U.S. The best endorsement I can give is that I'm happy for my kids to use any of the masks that I recommend. Thanks for sharing, this is very informative ?? The Statistics of Ocean Drownings in Hawaii. A very brief history on the Full Face Snorkeling Mask. Shop New Arrivals Click Here | Free UK Standard Delivery over 50, FREE TRACKED UK DELIVERY ON ALL ORDERS OVER 30, RETAILER OF THE YEAR DIVER & SPORT DIVER. The remainder are visitors to the islands. HEAD / Mares gave the test results to the lead investigators in the Hawaii Department of Health and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and offered them the use of the Mares testing facility, among other assistance. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission. If your S/N does show up in the list below then you need to progress to the next step. What you need to know before buying. Toll-Free Consumer Hotline | Time: 8 a.m. - 5.30. p.m. Follow these 9 safety tips to take the stress out of it, Full Face Snorkel Masks How to pick the correct size so it doesnt leak, Thai boys and their soccer coach out of the cave they were trapped in, You can see Dan Galanis' full report here, Hawaii Drowning & Aquatic Injury Prevention Advisory Committee, https://watchyourselves.com/best-snorkeling-hawaii-full-face-masks/. The full face scuba masks come in a variety of colors and sizes. Tribord Easybreath Its still the most popular full face snorkel mask, Official websites used for reference and compiling information, HEAD / Mares Report on full face snorkel masks. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. What's our experience? To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. 2022 Benzinga.com. Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC. The masks serial numbers are engraved on the mask housing. The product does not meet the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018. Details: This recall involves Ocean Reefs Neptune Space Integrated Diving Masks. The middle inner tube channels air directly into the top section of the mask where it is drawn through to the mouth and nose pocket via valves. Manufactured in U.S. CPSC Consumer Information HotlineContact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054)Times: 8 a.m. 5:30 p.m. This recall was conducted voluntarily by the company under CPSC's Fast Track Recall process. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 4330 East-West Highway Bethesda, MD 20814, Contact Us: 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270) I can recommend the best high quality masks, but people will still buy the cheap knock-off's, and then come away disappointed with the misconception that all full face snorkel masks are rubbish - and that just isn't the case. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. To find the serial number of your IDM look inside your mask at the black section where your nose plugs attach. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years. We recommend owners stop using this product immediately. If these are dangerous, I'm going to be the first one to stand up and say so. I believe it has a lot to do with cheap Chinese knock-offs. OceanREEF have announced a product recall on a range of their Full Face Integrated Dive Masks. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/Ocean-Reef-Recalls-Neptune-Space-Integrated-Diving-Masks-Due-to-Injury-Hazard, http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ocean-reef-recalls-neptune-space-integrated-diving-masks-due-to-injury-hazard-300823201.html. Great article on the newer full-face snorkeling masks. We are planning a trip to Hawaii On a recent trip to Hawaii, we were not allowed to use them on guided tours, claiming liability issues with the CO2 build up. Get Notified About Each Recall via Email. 6 days ago I was in Roatan using a borrowed full face mask. Moisture will spoil your view by fogging and too much CO2 can be dangerous and even lead to a loss of consciousness. You can see Dan Galanis' full report here. When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type. Many try to start on their own and quickly end up with a string of losses, slowly seeing their accounts dwindle to what it started off as Don't let this happen to you. You can't equalize with most full face masks as they are designed for leisurely snorkeling on or just under the surface of the water. HEAD / Mares is one of the manufacturers of quality brand full face masks. This can cause rubbing on the face or the bridge of the nose which will take the pleasure out of snorkeling. Regards, Debby. Subea Quality Full-Face Snorkel Mask for Adults & Kids! WASHINGTON, April 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/Ocean-Reef-Recalls-Neptune-Space-Integrated-Diving-Masks-Due-to-Injury-Hazard, http://www.cpsc.gov. While snorkeling in a pool, in calm water, or in water you can stand in can be easy, breathing through a narrow tube is more challenging than swimming. Ocean Reef make quality full face SCUBA diving masks. The overall consensus was that they loved the experience. They are working with Hawaiian authorities to help get an understanding of what's happened. Unfortunately, drownings of all kinds are a year-round occurrence in Hawaii but tend to spike at the peak holiday periods of July and December. Most new traders struggle at first to make sense of the markets and how to put their portfolios in a position to flourish. The masks have a bellows style face seal, molded from silicone rubber, uses a "spring profile" and sealing surface. Otherwise keep scrolling to read a super brief history on the full face snorkel mask and other information that explains how we got to where we are today. If you read nothing else in this article, you really want to read this! Consumer Contact:Ocean Reef at 800-922-1764 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., email at [emailprotected] or online at http://oceanreefgroup.com/ and click on "Recall" for more information. Sold at diving stores nationwide and online at www.oceanreefgroup.mybigcommerce.com from March 2018 through November 2018 for between $700 and $1,600. https://diving.oceanreefgroup.com/recall-information/, SimplyScuba 2022. The masks have a bellows style face seal, molded from silicone rubber, uses a "spring profile" and sealing surface. We have 2 of the SeaView & one of the Tribord masks, and we love them! Would I let my family use these? Hazard: The diving mask regulator can cause restricted airflow, posing an injury hazard to divers. The post is: https://watchyourselves.com/best-snorkeling-hawaii-full-face-masks/. I do feel for the families of the people who have died, but I think its ridiculous how much of a beat-up of a story this has become. There are a number of manufacturers who have put a lot of time and hard work into developing their own brand of full face snorkel mask. This recall was conducted voluntarily by the company under CPSC's Fast Track Recall process. I wish the Tour Operators were better informed. Tribord Subea are cutting down on their available sizes to reduce on their manufacturing costs. The masks serial numbers are engraved on the mask housing. The video below is the best I've seen so far in explaining how to safely swim with a full face snorkel mask. (PRNewsfoto/U.S. Diving soon! This will give you a quality mask that does what you are entitled to expect it to do when you go snorkeling. Tribord (Decathlon) and Ocean Reef are two well known manufacturers who developed the full face snorkel mask together and released it for sale in May 2014. common threads among drowning victims in Hawaii include: Clicking this link will take you to his report on the Health Department of Hawaii's website. Consumers can look up their Ocean Reef masks serial number to see if it is affected by this recall at https://oceanreefgroup.com. Full face snorkel masks can take a little getting used to. Hawaii has high surf and strong riptides that are hazardous even for experienced swimmers. Some even provide these for their guests. Shes never had a problem at all. Further recall information is available at http://www.cpsc.gov. Ocean Reef donated the full face SCUBA masks used to bring the Thai boys and their soccer coach out of the cave they were trapped in during July 2018. Providing water safety videos to Hawaiian Airlines for its in-flight video service. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call the CPSC hotline at 1-800-638-2772, or visit http://www.saferproducts.gov. Snorkel related drowning occurred before full face masks became available. The masks have a bellows style face seal, molded from silicone rubber, uses a "spring profile" and sealing surface. Hazard: The diving mask regulator can cause restricted airflow, posing an injury hazard to divers. PBA Champion, Doug Kramer with his family on holiday with Full Face Snorkel Masks. Contact the distributor you purchased from, to request redress. Hi Connie, The ceramic pulleys used in the recalled Switchblade and Drifter kiteboarding kites can cause the bridle line connection to break, which reduces performance in steering and control of the kite, causing the kiteboarder to lose control of the kite, posing an injury hazard. Neptune Space Full Face Mask 50/60 PSI (33366; 33367), Space Extender - Black/Black (S/M OR025102; M/L OR025103), Space Extender - Black/Yellow (Medium/Large OR025104), Space Extender - Black/Orange (Medium/Large OR025105), Space Extender - Yellow/Yellow (Medium/Large OR025107), Space Extender - Orange/Orange (Medium/Large OR025108), Space Extender 100 - IDM - Black/Black 100% O2 compatible (M/L OR025101; S/M OR025100), G.divers - Colbalt (M/L OR025015; S/M OR025016), G.divers - Emerald (M/L OR025017; S/M OR025018), G.divers Pink (M/L OR025013; S/M OR025014), G.divers White (M/L OR025011; S/M OR025012), Neptune Space Extender w/visor light (OR025106), Adventure Sports Recalls Ceramic Pulleys for Cabrinha Switchblade and Drifter Kite Sailing Kites Due to Injury Hazard (Recall Alert), Textron Specialized Vehicles Recalls All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) Due to Crash Hazard (Recall Alert), KTM North America Recalls Closed Course Competition Motorcycles Due to Crash and Injury Hazards (Recall Alert), Black Diamond Equipment Recalls PIEPS and Black Diamond Avalanche Transceivers Due to Risk of Loss of Emergency Communications, Crye Precision Recalls LRB Leg Loops Due to Fall Hazard (Recall Alert), Aqualung Recalls i330R SCUBA Diving Computers Due to Injury and Drowning Hazards, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Enterprise, Ocean Reef Recalls Neptune Space Integrated Diving Masks Due to Injury Hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Since then I have spent 1.5 days in a Roatan medical clinic, been taken by air ambulance to the hospital in San Pedro Sula and have been thru countless tests, scans, scopes, and x-rays, and countless possible diagnosis heart attack, blood clot in the lung, and basically medically confused the heck out of my doctors. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. You need to spend some time adjusting your breathing and making sure you're feel relaxed before you get into the water. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. If you click the link below you'll be taken to a page that lists tour companies that will let you to bring your own snorkeling mask, as well as ones which will not allow you to use a full face mask at all. Hello Sharon. The Tour Operators in Hawaii are some of the most safety conscious in the world so they're not going to do something that will jeopardize anyone's safety. HEAD / Mares has undertaken specialized testing of various masks on the market and possible CO2 build up. Consumer Product Safety Co)" alt="The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1973 and charged with protecting the American public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/dougkramer/. After hearing this, I contacted the popular snorkeling tour companies and so far, the majority of them are more than happy for you to bring your own full face snorkel mask. We believe that the seal on the mask failed, allowing saltwater into both chambers and then I must have unknowingly aspirated the saltwater into my lungs. If your budget doesn't stretch that far, then go for a good quality traditional diving mask and snorkel. Full Face Snorkels How safe are they really, and which Brands are the safest? Traders are getting options trade signals from full-time trader Chris Capre! This recall was conducted, voluntarily by the company, under CPSCs Fast Track Recall process. To say the quality of many of these imports is poor, is an understatement. Media ContactPlease use the phone numbers below for all media requests.Phone: 301-504-7908Spanish: 301-504-7800, View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ocean-reef-recalls-neptune-space-integrated-diving-masks-due-to-injury-hazard-300823201.html, SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Call CPSCs Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054). About U.S. CPSC:The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Note: All the information below has been referenced from HIOceanSaftey.com on advice from State of Hawaii Department of Health. This is demonstrated in the first image below. The following masks are affected by this recall and if you have one you need to check its Serial Number before you use it again. We shared the full face masks around with some interested tourists, including a few older people who weren't confident swimmers. This is when a bargain, is not a bargain. According to Hawaii State Department of Health, there are on average 18 drowning deaths in Hawaii each year. Copyright 2022 Sea Dragon Life, all rights reserved. A freak accident I guess but the Drs say luckily it was not pool water with chemicals. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Ocean Reef state that their mask eliminates air containing high carbon dioxide when it's being used, which other full-face masks may not do. My kids are great swimmers, and are reasonably fit and healthy. from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. Manufacturer(s): Ocean Reef Inc., of San Marcos, Calif. Remember, this is their neck of the woods and their livelihood at stake. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls. I'm a very keensnorkeler, Scuba Diver, and Stand-up Paddle Boarder, and being lucky enough to live in the tropics means I get to do this for most of the year. The best masks are also the most expensive. Dr. Mark Wolter The masks serial numbers are engraved on the mask housing. You're so much better off paying a bit more and spending your money on brand-name model. The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is backing several water safety initiatives, including: There are restrictions to using these masks that many people aren't aware of. These poor quality copies are imported from China and sold on Amazon and other online stores for very low prices. ET. Statistical data published on the Hawaii Department of Health website highlights that the common threads among drowning victims in Hawaii include: "Up to 75 to 80 percent are males of 50 years old and above, andthat circulatory diseases (i.e. For more lifesaving information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSCand Twitter @USCPSCor sign up to receive our e-mail alerts. respiratory, pulmonary, heart disease) possibly or probably contribute to 58 percent of these snorkel-related drownings. Of the average 18 deaths each year, only one death will be of a local resident. There is currently no evidence proving that a specific type of snorkel equipment is dangerous. The masks serial numbers are engraved on the mask housing. These were used in both deeper water, and around areas we could stand in. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Doctors have said I may be able to leave the hospital on Friday (in 2 days) if my lungs can get enough oxygen on their own. Many full face snorkel masks have split the tube of the snorkel piece into 3 sections. Not everyone feels comfortable with these, and that's ok. My kids love their full face masks and prefer them over traditional snorkel mouthpieces too. Would I try full face snorkeling again probably yes with a top of the line mask but probably no if my husband has his say. My daughter has one of these masks and loves it. The top well-known brands and models perform the best and give the greatest pleasure. CPSC does not control this external site or its privacy policy and cannot attest to the accuracy of the information it contains. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled diving masks and contact Ocean Reef for instructions on the return of their mask for a free replacement, or refund. Fast Track recalls are initiated by firms, who commit to work with CPSC to quickly announce the recall and remedy to protect consumers. Fast Track recalls are initiated by firms, who commit to work with CPSC to quickly announce the recall and remedy to protect consumers. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. The product poses a serious asphyxiation hazard as the results from the testing indicated that the dual tank valve restricted the flow of gas to the mask and diver. Click to Get His Trades Risk-Free! Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Integrated Diving Masks and OceanREEF recommend you contact OceanREEF directly for the return & check of their mask, replacement, or refund. Update: Thanks to your comment, Im putting together a page on Tour Operators who will allow full face snorkel masks on their tours. Some of my friends also took their expensive traditional style diving mask and snorkels with them, just in case. Hazard: The product presents serious risk of asphyxiation due to dual tank restricting flow of gas to the mask and diver.