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July 17, 2007
Swimming Alert
My neighbor told me about this condition. She watched it on the news last night and thought about my girls when they are in the pool. It's called Shallow Water Blackout. Shallow water blackout, according to the Norfolk, Va.-based U.S. Naval Safety Center, which trains Marines and sailors on safety issues, happens when a swimmer such as Scofelia hyperventilates or takes a series of short breaths before going underwater. When I did a search on it, I came up with this article about a 15 year old girl and the results of when she was with her swim team. I also found the following tips on another website.
- Avoid taking deep rapid breaths (or hyperventilate) prior to swimming underwater.
- Avoid holding your breath underwater for an extended period of time.
- If swimming underwater, come up for air once you feel the urge to breathe.
- Avoid unnecessary or excessive exertion while holding your breath.
- Do not swim without a buddy or trained observer present at the pool.
- After holding your breath underwater, make sure to relax and breathe normally.
- Parents and swimming professionals should make all swimmers aware of the dangers of breath holding.
Posted by Cate at July 17, 2007 11:22 AM
Comments
I worry about swimming pool accidents all the time. Especially the pools filter at the bottom. I've heard horror stories about those damn filters.
Posted by: Kat at July 18, 2007 11:01 PM
