Over the years I’ve heard many well meaning divers and instructors tell divers who like placing their mask on their forehead, "this is a sign of distress." Fact is, this is simply not true! I know, you’re going to say that your instructor, who I’m sure is a good instructor, told you differently. They were wrong. It doesn’t matter if you look at PADI, SSI, TDI, NAUI, etc. standards, they will all confirm that the mask on the forehead does not necessarily mean “diver in distress.”
So why all the fuss about not wearing your mask on your forehead? Good question! If you really want something to be concerned about, tell them the truth; far more masks are lost by divers because they placed them on their forehead than for any other reason. So, if it still bothers you to see a diver with their mask on their forehead let them know they run the risk of losing it but don’t tell them it’s a sign of distress. That happens after they lose their $50.00 mask and $30.00 snorkel!
