Shallow Water Blackout

Shallow Water Blackout DVD

Shallow water blackout, SWB, results from an insufficient amount of carbon
dioxide to activate the body's natural impulse to breathe. Swimmers who
practice prolonged underwater breath-holding are particularly at risk of SWB. By rapidly breathing deeply prior to submersion (hyperventilation), swimmers blow off an excessive amount of carbon dioxide. When the oxygen level in the blood runs low before the carbon dioxide level rises to the point that triggers the breathing reflex, the swimmer loses consciousness. The swimmer never actually feels as though a breath is needed. Once submerged underwater, the swimmer is hidden from the view of lifeguards by surface glare and ripples/waves on the surface. A series of events is then triggered, including the inhalation of water, possible convulsions and ultimately cardiac arrest and death. Additional information is available on our Shallow Water Blackout DVD.

Shallow Water Blackout - Common Victims

Anyone who practices competitive, repetitive underwater breath-holding is at risk for Shallow Water Blackout. A recent series of deaths of healthy, athletic males, ages 15-26 years, all of whom were capable to strong swimmers, but yet who died in shallow water often near the side of the pool, suggests that common victims of Shallow Water Blackout tend to be male swimmers who engage in underwater breath-holding contests for time or distance. However, it is important to note that gender does not play a significant role in SWB other than to suggest that males may practice this dangerously competitive activity more than females.

Shallow Water Blackout - Surprising Statistics!

View this PowerPoint slideshow to learn about recent SWB survey responses: Shallow Water Blackout Survey Responses.

Want to know more?

Inside Edition, Original Airdate July 13, 2007
Dying for Air, by Walter Griffiths, M.D. and Tom Griffiths, Ed.D. (Aquatics International 2005)
Water Hazards: Underwater Breath-holding Revisited, United Educators Risk Research Bulletin (June/July 2005) (Available only to UE members)
Shallow-Water Blackout is No Joke, by Lt. Douglas Chandler, Naval Safety Center (Winter 2001-2002)
Swimmer Discovers Dangers of Water Blackout, by Laura Elder (The Daily News 2003)
Shallow Water Death, by Maj. James Law (The Combat Edge 2003)
Shallow Water Blackout, Naval Safety Center
Shallow Water Blackout, by Dr. Scott Duke (YMCA SCUBA Currents 1999)
The Dangers of Underwater Swimming Are Real, by Bruce Wigo (ASCA Online 1999)