Snorkels Sold At Costco Recalled For 'Drowning Hazard'

Free diving is a popular sport at spots across the Great Barrier Reef.

Snorkels that were exclusively sold at Costco are being recalled because of an issue that can cause them to leak.

The recall involves about 76,000 units of the Oceanic Adult Dry top Snorkels, the notice posted on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website noted. The problem is that the bottom purge valve can actually leak, thereby posing a "drowning hazard" to the user.

"In some instances, the snorkel's lower purge valve may let in water during use," Oceanic said. "The issue described only concerns the snorkel in the set. The quality of the snorkeling mask and fins, however, delivers the performance you can expect from Oceanic."

"Oceanic has received 13 reports of the snorkels leaking," the CPSC noted. "One injury, involving minor cuts to a consumer who tripped after a snorkel leaked, has been reported."

Imported by Huish Outdoors of Salt Lake City, Utah, the snorkels affected by the recall are white and gray in color and are about 16.5 inches tall. They were sold "exclusively" at Costco as part of a snorkeling set from February to July this year, with the affected batch numbers being "2038, 2039, 2040, 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044, 2045, 2046, 2047, 2048, 2049, 2050, 2051, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114 and 2115."

Detailed photos of the affected product, including a close-up of the bottom purge valve and the part of the snorkel where the batch number can be found, are available on the CPSC website.

Those who have an affected product are advised to stop using it and instead register to get a replacement snorkel "at no cost," including the shipping fee. They should also "destroy" the snorkel by "cutting the grey flexible tube so that it can no longer be used."

Oceanic clarified that the recall is being done in cooperation with Costco, so customers should not return the recalled item to the store.

"For the last 50 years, Oceanic has been synonymous with performance scuba and snorkeling equipment," Oceanic said. "That means Oceanic stands behind all of its products to ensure you can enjoy the water and all the underwater world has to offer."