Many, many years ago I almost drowned while snorkeling in Belize. Out with friends (locals who could swim like a fish) I tryed to keep up.
I could not! Before I knew it, they were out of sight and the boat was far away. I waved but the girls on the boat did not see me. Swimming against the current, no vest or BC, a fair amount of salt water inside me, I did make it (only half dead)-------------Learned a few things:

1. Always leave a boat operator onboard, keeping a CONSTANT count---NOT every 30 minutes as in the news report.

2. Always anchor down current and have the snorkelers swim up current. If they get in trouble the current will bring them back to the boat.

3. Have your own BC or rent one (and check it out)

4. Have a experienced person with the group who is also responsible for diver count.

All this should go without saying but from the news report it looks like the tour guide did non of the above.

Another piece of advice - never ever encourage or push somebody into a physical activity of which they are afraid, or that they just don't care to do on that particular day or at that particular time. Sometimes people are afraid for a reason (intuition, common sense about conditions etc.), or they are aware that their fear/phobia causes problems in and of itself. The most important of all to note with people who lead sedentary lives and or are obsese, is that their tendency to fatigue easily is an indicator can turn deadly under stress.

both great points.. life is so precious..

This must sound simple minded but it sticks!!
Its fun , but a life & death matter are not!! Do NOT do things you wouldn't do at an earlier age without training, ok? Why try it now on you own? Get the best licenesed instructors before you go underwater!! It's Safe!!

Snowbird,
I didn't mean to make your story less horrific, I only meant to point out that we have to be skilled to venture into the Great Blue Ocean, or the reef as it is there in Belize!!I am so sorry that you almost drowned and I hope you are well today!!