Posted by Walt on May 17, 2005 at 09:49:30:
In Reply to: Re: Monastery Beach - Reg in your mouth? posted by Divinotter on May 16, 2005 at 14:11:53:
An air embolism is far worse than some water in the mouth. Remember your lung lining is one cell thick and an embolism can occur in just a couple of feet (like when the surf rolls over you, you gasp a breath, hold your breath in response, pop to the surface and rupture your lung). "Pop goes the otter". Its amazing how much pressure changes at JUST ONE FOOT of depth.
If you hold your reg in your mouth and remember to not breathe if you're caught rolling in the surf, especially if you go under, then the overexpansion could be avoided. The point about a supply of air (from a reg) is well taken, but so is breath control on a snorkel. Plus the vey fact you can take a breath while under possibly 3 to 6 feet of water from a reg is the basic source of the problem leading to an embolism.
Remember, you can hold your breath for at least a 25 yard swim (20 to 30 seconds or more). Plenty of time to get control, go to the surface and get a breath.
Plus remember the mantra - 'you can always dive another day'; that's part of the survey - current conditions PLUS conditions upon exit. There's always a nearby restaurant or ice cream parlor if the conditions aren't right.