Swimming Pool Activities involving Extended Breath-Holding (GS012) Version: 1Last updated: April 2025 Download this RLSS UK Guidance Statement Introduction RLSS UK Guidance Statement GS005 Shallow Water Blackout, Hyperventilation, and Breath Holding details the dangers associated with extended breath holding and the risk of unintentional hyperventilation and/or blackout. This guidance note addresses activities where there is a risk of hypoxic blackout caused by extended breath-holding, hyperventilation, or repeated submersions in quick succession. Extended breath-holding is holding your breath underwater for a prolonged amount of time, greater than what is generally undertaken in normal swimming activities (e.g. diving start, push and glide, tumble turn, collecting a submerged item from the bottom of a swimming pool (<5m), a short distance swimming underwater etc.). Activities involving extended breath-holding have increased over the past 10 years, with some people declaring it has associated health benefits. However, to date, this has not been medically proven. Some young adults, athletes, and very competent swimmers practise hypoxic drills as part of a hypoxic training regime. Some extended breath-holding activities involve wearing weights to help maintain a position underwater. Activities involving extended breath-holding may include (list not intended to be exhaustive): Freediving Static or dynamic apnea Artistic swimming Sub-aqua and snorkelling Any underwater sport, such as hockey, rugby, etc. Wearing weights to maintain a position underwater Stress/anxiety reduction through extended breath-holding underwater. RLSS UK encourages the use of swimming pools so that everyone can enjoy water safely. Given the risk associated with extended breath holding, the following guidance has been created. Guidance Structured session Extended breath-holding should only be permitted in a structured, organised session led by a competent instructor or coach, within a closed pool or closed area of the pool. Qualified instructor or coach Extended breath-holding should only be permitted under the direct supervision of a competent instructor or coach following recognised safety protocols from a governing body for the particular activities. Supervision for extended breath-holding activities Swimming pool lifeguards do not receive training to give specific advice or guidance about how to practise hypoxic drills, training programmes, activities, or exercises or supervise specialist activities where the participants hold their breath for an extended period of time. In these sessions, the swimming pool lifeguards may be unable to identify when a participant is having difficulty and requires assistance. Organisations wishing to hire an area or pool for specialist activities involving extended breath holding should: Provide their own competent staff to supervise the activity. Conduct a risk assessment for the activity. Put control measures in place to ensure the safety of participants at all times. Individual(s) providing supervision must be competent to: Understand extended breath-holding activities. Identify when someone taking part in an extended breath-holding activity requires assistance or is having difficulty. Respond to those who require assistance or are having difficulty. Recover the casualty to the side of the pool. The swimming pool operator may provide someone to respond in an emergency, take over once the casualty is at the side of the pool and activate the EAP. The hirer will need a means to alert the responding individual of an emergency unfolding. Equipment As detailed above, equipment (for example, weights) designed to assist with extended breath-holding activities is only permitted within structured sessions. Imitating activities In a swimming pool environment, it is common for pool users to see activities and try them for themselves, such as diving, jumping, tumble turns, etc. Carefully consider where and when activities involving extended breath-holding occur to ensure that those who do not fully understand or are not competent do not try the activity themselves. References RLSS UK Guidance Statement GS005 Shallow Water Blackout, Hyperventilation, and Breath HoldingShallow Water Blackout - PubMed¹Szpilman, D., Orlowski, J. Sports related to drowning. European Respiratory Review. 25(141), p.348-359.ILS Medical Position Statement MPS16 Shallow Water BlackoutNIRSA Know - December 2007/January 2008 - Risk Management View other RLSS UK Guidance Statements Manage Cookie Preferences