A pacemaker is a life-saving device that can help individuals with heart conditions or defects live long, productive lives. Having a pacemaker, though, means that some of your activities will be limited. You must avoid contact sports and some exercises that could put a strain on both your heart and the device. Snorkeling, however, is fine as long as your underlying health permits it.
Post-Implantation
Although snorkeling does not have to be as strenuous as swimming, cardiac physicians, such as those at the Cleveland Clinic, recommend that you avoid swimming for six weeks after your pacemaker is implanted. The pacemaker is not an ultimate solution unto itself but rather is part of a comprehensive heart-health plan that will require diet, exercise and regular monitoring. Even if six weeks have elapsed, check with your doctor before strapping on your mask and fins.
Snorkeling Motions
After your physician has cleared you to snorkel, you must still exercise caution with respect to this activity. In general, avoid activities that place excessive stress on the arm closest to where the pacemaker is implanted. You also must use caution when performing activities that require movement outside the arms' normal range. The butterfly stroke or an exaggerated breast stroke in swimming are examples of such activities. As you snorkel, use short, gentle -- or even no -- arm motions. Rely on your legs and the power they will generate with the fins to propel you through the water.
Diving
Snorkeling does not involve all the same pressures and rigors as scuba diving, but it often does require short dives to relatively shallow depths to explore a reef or follow a fish. Whether you can dive and how deep is a question that must be answered on an individual basis. Consult you physician to get an accurate assessment of your ability to dive and a limitation on the depth. Ultimately, you don't have to dive to enjoy snorkeling.
Other Considerations
Cold water can sometimes speed your heart rate or even lead to fibrillation. Enter water gradually, giving your extremities and, eventually your core, time to acclimate. Avoid excessively cold water, as your body will work hard to warm itself and put extra strain on your heart and pacemaker. If you are uncertain, consider wearing a wetsuit appropriate to the climate and water conditions. If you don't plan on diving beneath the surface, a personal flotation device, or PFD, can take some strain off your body as you won't have to worry about staying afloat. A PFD has the added benefit of keeping your core warmer and protecting part of your body from the sun.
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