Hypoxic Blackout Prevention

There are approximately 140,000 deaths annually to drowning worldwide. It is estimated by a number of sources that Hypoxic Blackout (HB) is responsible for up to 20% of all drownings. As well, it is thought that nearly all drownings or near drownings by advanced or elite swimmers is the result of HB.

Hypoxic Blackout has been coming to the forefront for prevention by a number of groups including Swimming Canada, the American Red Cross as well as several European and Australian Swimming Associations.

What is Hypoxic Blackout?

Hypoxic Blackout (HB) is an underwater “faint” due to a lack of oxygen to the brain brought on by holding your breath for long periods. Without immediate rescue, any swimmer quickly drowns.

Although extended underwater breath-holding has often been viewed in the past as a low-risk childhood activity, the dangers of HB are becoming more widely recognized, more specifically in environments where achievement and pushing boundaries are part of the culture.

In 2019, PSP updated the aquatics section of the PSP Policy Manual stipulating that the practice of intentional or practice of hyperventilating and extended breath-holding shall not be permitted in CAF swimming pools during recreation, military fitness and sport activities.

How to fight this Silent KILLER

• Do not engage in or encourage extended breath-holding, breath-holding competitions or hypoxic training   
• Do not encourage hyperventilation
• Speak to your Fitness and Sports instructor for safer training options