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Two serious incidents in public swimming pools at the end of 2006 have again highlighted the dangers of hypoxic (breath holding) training. Both incidents resulted in a shallow water blackout. Thankfully a quick response by lifeguards and bystanders in both cases lead to a positive outcome. However, the hazards of hypoxic training cannot be understated.

Shallow water blackout is the result of a lack of oxygen causing unconsciousness. The lungs deprived of oxygen suck any remaining oxygen from the blood supply causing blackout quickly and often without warning to the victim. Swimmers often breathe rapidly prior to submersion (hyperventilation) to lower the level of carbon dioxide in the body which reduces the stimulation to breath. Whilst this is an important tool for free diving, swimmers inexperienced in this technique often exceed basic precautionary warning signs and rob the body of vital oxygen stores. Once submerged and underwater, the swimmer can be hidden from the view of lifeguards. A series of events is then triggered, including the inhalation of water, possible convulsions and ultimately drowning, cardiac arrest and death.

The victims of shallow water blackout at the end of 2006 were both strong swimmers. One was a competitive free diver and the other was an 11 year old squad swimmer. These individuals do not fit the profile of an “at risk” swimmer. Lifeguards are more likely going to ignore these types of customers and rarely appreciate how dangerous the underwater swimming activity is. Therefore, lifeguards must be taught to understand and appreciate that even the most talented people in the pool can quickly and quietly kill themselves by holding their breath. Whenever a lifeguard sees anyone performing a dangerous activity, it must be quickly stopped. In addition, when someone is sitting or lying on the bottom of the pool, they must be recovered immediately (when in doubt, pull them out).

Nevertheless, Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) and New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) do not believe that breath holding or hypoxic training should be banned from public pools. Controlled breathing and rhythmic breathing are essential for swimming and other aquatic activities and can have positive results. It is better that such activities are done in a controlled environment. WSNZ and NZRA suggest that aquatic facilities adopt the following policy in relation to breath holding activity to minimise the risk to pool users and lifeguards.

Shallow water blackout can be avoid by ensuring that carbon dioxide levels in the body are properly calibrated prior to diving and that appropriate safety measures are in place; this can be achieved if underwater swimmers/divers do the following:

1. Alert the lifeguard to the intended activity

2. Do not hyperventilate prior to diving

3. Breathe normally. Allow the body to dictate the rate of breathing to ensure carbon dioxide levels are properly calibrated

4. Never swim alone. Dive in pairs, one to observe, one to dive

5. Buddy pairs must both know CPR

Breath holding underwater is extremely dangerous and should not be undertaken by children or recreational swimmers. A seemingly innocent trick, game or competition can quickly become deadly. Whenever a lifeguard sees anyone performing a dangerous activity, it must be quickly stopped.

The above suggestion is consistent with a recommendation made to Swimming New Zealand, New Zealand Swim Coaches and Teachers and swimming pool managers following a similar incident in Auckland in April 2005.

PoolSafe Spot Checks - Safe Pools Are PoolSafe

Alarge number of the PoolSafe spot checks were conducted over the holiday period. In the majority of cases facilities were found to be maintaining the PoolSafe standards. Thank you to all those pools who took the time to work with their PoolSafe assessor. I hope that you found the process painless and valuable.

Safe Pools are PoolSafe

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