Snorkellers and divers are being urged to check their gear after U.S. regulators issued a stark safety warning involving tens of thousands of full-face snorkel masks sold through major online marketplaces.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, consumers should immediately stop using certain OUSPT-branded full-face snorkel masks because the design may create a serious drowning hazard.
The warning applies to roughly 84,000 masks sold online between March 2019 and February 2026, primarily through Amazon. Regulators say the masks can cause laboured breathing, increased carbon dioxide levels, and possible loss of consciousness, all of which may lead to drowning if a user becomes incapacitated in the water.
The masks are identifiable by the “OUSPT” marking on the snorkel tube and were reportedly manufactured in China.
Reports of Breathing Problems
Authorities say the warning was triggered after multiple incident reports linked to the masks. Users reported symptoms including breathing difficulty, dizziness, and light-headedness, with at least one case involving loss of consciousness while using the product.
The safety agency also noted that legal action has been filed alleging the mask may have contributed to a drowning death.
Because the manufacturer has reportedly not cooperated with safety investigators or initiated a recall, regulators issued a public warning advising consumers to stop using the masks immediately and dispose of them safely.
Why Full-Face Snorkel Masks Are Sometimes Controversial
Full-face snorkel masks have surged in popularity over the past decade, especially among casual snorkellers and first-time ocean visitors. The design allows users to breathe through both the nose and mouth while maintaining a wide panoramic view underwater.
However, some designs have raised concerns among safety researchers and diving professionals.
Several studies examining snorkelling safety have highlighted the potential for rebreathing exhaled air inside poorly designed masks, which can increase carbon dioxide levels and reduce oxygen intake. Elevated CO₂ levels can cause dizziness, confusion, and eventually unconsciousness in severe cases.
For experienced divers, the issue reinforces a familiar principle: simple gear often carries fewer failure points than complex designs, particularly in environments where breathing reliability is critical.
What Snorkellers Should Do
Regulators recommend that anyone who owns one of the affected masks should:
- Stop using it immediately
- Dispose of the mask safely
- Avoid selling or giving it away
Consumers who experienced breathing problems or incidents while using the product are also encouraged to report them through federal product-safety reporting systems.
A Reminder for Divers and Snorkellers
While most snorkelling equipment on the market is safe when used correctly, the warning highlights the importance of buying equipment from reputable brands and retailers and checking for safety notices.
For divers and snorkellers alike, breathing equipment is not just gear. It is life support.
And when safety authorities issue a warning, it is one that should never be ignored.
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