Homemade Snorkels

James Bond improvised a snorkel from bamboo during one of many life-threatening situations in the novel "Dr. No." If Bond could save himself with a snorkel crafted in seconds, a determined swimmer should be able to make a more durable model with an hour of free time and some common household items, including an old garden hose and a roll of duct tape. This project can be completed in about an hour, with overnight drying to make a watertight seal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

18-inch length of PVC pipe, 1 1/2 inches in diameter, available at hardware stores 8-inch length of garden hose Hand saw Bleach Bucket Water Waterproof plastic cement, available at hardware stores Duct tape Elastic headband
18-inch length of PVC pipe, 1 1/2 inches in diameter, available at hardware stores
8-inch length of garden hose
Hand saw
Bleach
Bucket
Water
Waterproof plastic cement, available at hardware stores
Duct tape
Elastic headband

Step 1

Cut an 8-inch length of old garden hose using a hand saw.

Step 2

Place the length of PVC pipe and the section of garden hose in a bucket, adding 2 cups of bleach and filling with water.

Step 3

Soak for at least an hour to sanitize the parts.

Step 4

Insert one end of the hose about an inch into the larger-diameter section of PVC pipe.

Step 5

Squeeze a thin line of rubber cement around the joint where the hose enters the pipe. Let the cement dry overnight.

Step 6

Wrap a 12-inch length of duct tape around the joint to seal the connection between the pipe and the rubber hose.

Step 7

Place an elastic headband over your head, sliding the upper end of the PVC pipe underneath the headband to hold it in an upright position. Adjust the pipe and headband for comfort.

Step 8

Breathe through the end of the hose, forming a tight seal around the opening with your mouth. Blow through the hose to expel any water that gets inside your homemade snorkel.

Article Written By James Clark

James Clark began his career in 1985. He has written about electronics, appliance repair and outdoor topics for a variety of publications and websites. He has more than four years of experience in appliance and electrical repairs. Clark holds a bachelor's degree in political science.

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