The swimming season is ending at a lot of pools, but not at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase YMCA, and we went there to try out the Aqua FM. It was developed by Amphicom, a French company specializing in underwater communications and marketed by Aqua Sphere. It's a snorkel with a built-in FM radio.

I asked lifeguards at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase YMCA to give it a try. The reviews were positive. "It's very good, it's wonderful. I hear everything," said Libor Volesky after a couple of laps.

It works through bone conduction. Vibrations from the active mouthpiece are picked up by the molars and carried to the inner ear. The antenna for the Aqua FM is built into the snorkel. That means when the tip of the snorkel goes underwater more than a few inches, the signal disappears.

The radio is waterproof to 10 meters, but I suspect the biggest users may be kids and people who are serious about swimming as exercise. Chris Seltz is a lifeguard and says the Aqua FM may appeal to lap swimmer. "Seems like people swim laps because I've seen a lot of people with headphones that fit on the goggles. They don't ever seem to work. They spend half their time in the pool fooling with them, cause I watch a lot of that all day."

The battery housing is sealed with an o ring that seems to work just fine. The radio takes two AAA-batteries. The compartment is protected by an O-ring.

YMCA members Alexia and Morgane Gay also gave the Aqua FM a try. Alexia said the sound was very clear after a few minutes of laps. Her mom, Corrine, wasn't convinced the aqua was practical. "To me it's a gee whiz kinda thing. Actually, when I'm underwater enjoying the sea scenery, I really don't want to hear the radio. That's my thought, my daughters may have a different opinion after they've used it."

They did. Morgane said it was "good, cool" and that Mom probably wouldn't spring for one of these gadgets, but Dad might.

The Aqua FM retails for 129-dollars. You may find it cheaper if you shop around.