Avoid Prolonged Breath-Holding

The Swimming Pool and Spa Program recommends avoiding prolonged underwater breath-holding. People who hold their breath while swimming or practicing breath-holding underwater in pools are at risk of “passing out” due to lack of oxygen. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as Shallow Water Blackout (SWB).

SWB is a medical term for a faint brought on by a lack of oxygen and carbon dioxide while swimming. SWB does not only occur in shallow water, it can happen in any depth of water.

To Avoid Shallow Water Blackout:

Do not practice prolonged breath-holding or have contests to see who can hold their breath the longest underwater or swim further underwater.
Repetitive breath-holding and/or hyperventilation increases risk of SWB.
SWB is difficult to detect from above the water. Lifeguards, parents or caregivers likely would not notice shallow water blackout as it occurs.
Never swim alone.
For more information, please visit Shallow Water Blackout Prevention.