Shallow Water Blackout
Now that we are in summer, many people will be flocking to their local pools. Being with your friends and family at the pool is one of the great past times that we’ll always remember. I came across this phenomenon called “shallow water blackout”. At first hearing “shallow water”, you may think that this is a very mild and innocent thing. But the more that you educate yourself about it, the more you realize that this can be very serious. And we are just sharing this with our readers in order for you to have a safe experience at your pool.
Shallow Water Blackout is an underwater “faint” due to a lack of oxygen to the brain brought on by holding your breath for long periods of time. What usually happens is when a person is holding their breath under water, and goes deeper and deeper into the pool, pressure increases and concentrates oxygen molecules together in the blood stream. Since the oxygen molecules are closer together, those molecules can be used up faster. As the person is going back up to the top of the pool to breath in air, pressure levels start to decrease and that starts to dilute the oxygen molecules in the blood. And in doing so, there is a lack of oxygen to the brain and the person will black out.
According to the website, shallowwaterblackoutprevention.org, they give these 6 tips to prevent shallow water blackout:
Never swim alone and never ignore the urge to breathe while underwater.
Never repeatedly hold your breath as repetitive breath-holding increases risk.
Never compete with other swimmers to see who can swim the furthest underwater or play breath-holding games.
Don't attempt long or repetitive underwater swims or kicks for any reason.
Only perform underwater training under the guidance of a certified swim coach.
If hyperventilating, never start an underwater swim or kicks.
There was even an account of a college student on spring break, doing a bet that he could hold his breath under water longer than his friends and then experiencing “shallow water blackout” and then drowning. Hope that this helps keep your friends and family safe this summer.