Unknown. No brand name on product or User Manual swimming

The reports, as CPSC published them

1. Hospital admission

   Made Jun 1, 2023 · , sent to the company Jun 6, 2023 · , published by CPSC Jun 21, 2023

   The product, in the report: Full Face Snorkel Mask model M-1502 L/XL blue and black

   The following summarizes a life-threatening experience that I had that requires action to inform the public of a potentially fatal danger.

   My wife and I purchased, at different times from two different vendors (via Amazon), full-face snorkel masks to use on a trip to the Caribbean this past winter (2022-23). On Wednesday February 15, 2023 we had favorable conditions (sunny, calm seas, good visibility) and went snorkeling from the beach. Properly wearing the masks, we swam out to a rock pile (artificial reef) that was close to shore and easily accessible from the beach. We were out about 20 minutes or so, remaining on the surface the entire time per the mask directions. During the swim back to shore, I unexpectantly began having trouble moving through the water and almost instantly trouble breathing. I was still on the surface and properly wearing the mask. It took everything I had to remain on the surface and get back to the water’s edge. [I had not inhaled or ingested seawater]. I took off the mask, but was unable to stand and continued to have increasing difficulty breathing. I knew I was in trouble, but didn’t know at the time that my condition was rapidly declining from CO2 poisoning and insufficient oxygen.

   Lifeguards and Security from [REDACTED] came to help my wife and provide me with aid. Staff from the adjacent [REDACTED] Resort came to my aid as well. An ambulance was called, but my condition continued to decline from the CO2 poisoning. Shortly after the ambulance arrived, I lost consciousness. I was informed (after the fact) that my vitals crashed while in the ambulance, and CPR had to be administered to restore vital signs. After the ambulance arrived at the hospital and I was taken into the emergency treatment room, my vitals crashed again. CPR was administered a second time and, upon vital signs being restored, I was intubated and placed on a ventilator for a few hours. Several hours from the initial distress, with the timely assistance on the beach, life-saving medical care and the subsequent ventilation with oxygen and additional medical treatment, my vital signs began returning to normal and I began to recover.

   While on the beach, a passer-by had commented to my wife that the issue I was having (un-beknown to us) might be related to the use of the full-face mask, which she still had in her hand. During the ambulance ride to the ER, my wife began researching online and quickly discovered that my situation, progression and symptomology were all consistent with many (too many) other traumatic events involving the use of full-face snorkel masks. Unfortunately, for some individuals the outcome was more dire than even my situation. People have died. I…nearly died.

   This danger exists, it is real. The awareness of general knowledge regarding this danger is INSUFFICIENT and UNACCEPTABLE. Consumers…people…should not have to conduct in-depth research to learn about dangers like this. These products should be pulled from the market. Until that occurs, all platforms marketing these masks MUST include clear and obvious warnings that their use (even proper use) CAN BE FATAL.

   UPDATED ON 6/5/2023: [Per the email below, I have conducted additional research and found the information for the deficiency identified:

   Manufacturer or Private Labeler

   The additional information for the mask is as follows:

   QingSong Full Face Snorkel Mask Sold by Songxin Products

   The mask was purchased through Amazon. Order Date March 7 2022. Order # [REDACTED]

   I trust that this information is sufficient for the publishing of my report. This is a life-threatening situation regarding even the ‘proper’ use of these products. FYI, my wife who did not have an incident, was using a mask from a different vendor. I fear however, that my near-death incident is not isolated to the specific mask maker/model that I was using. My hypothesis is that the unacceptable number of deaths and other incidents associated with the use of these devices will be attributed to multiple makes and models of the devices.]

   Model

   M-1502 L/XL

   UPC

   X0023KDX1J

   Serial number

   unknown

   Bought from

   Amazon.com

   Bought

   Mar 1, 2022, about then

   Where

   Saint Kitts and Nevis: Place of Recreation or Sports

   Who was involved

   Age 60, Male

   The reporter’s relation to them

   Self

   As this report names them

   Brand Unknown. No brand name on product or User Manual, made or sold by Shenzhen Songxin Silicone Products Co., Ltd

   How badly, in CPSC’s words

   Injury, Hospital Admission

CPSC’s disclaimer

Sources