Breath-holding exercises killed one, another critical
Former Member
Tragic news link
Lifeguard in critical, swimmer drowned in breath-holding exercise gone wrong at Staten Island pool
Quote:
"Joseph Lyons Pool is closed for the day after two men were found floating face down Wednesday.
One man training to be a Navy SEAL was dead and a city lifeguard was in grave condition yesterday after they tried doing breath-holding exercises in a public pool in Staten Island.
Bohdan Vitenko and Jonathan Proce, both 21, were found facedown in 3 feet of water in the Lyons Pool in Tompkinsville, where they were practicing techniques similar to those used in military training, authorities said."
"the pool is 3 1/2 feet across the entire surface. An adult can easily stand in it with their head above water," " (see this report)
Wonder if it is also dangerous to swim a 25m lap or as long as you can without breathing?
This is sad. What a senseless waste of two young lives. If he truly was training to be a SEAL, he was acting in violation of Navy policy:
Breatholding Policy - NavySEALs.com Forums
It's actually more of a problem that the pool is so shallow. The swimmers probably had limited options for positioning their body. I wouldn't be surprised if they practiced holding their breath floating face down. I get the impression that your average lifeguard will have a tendency to ignore people they perceive as good swimmers. Honestly, I've wondered how long it would take for someone to drag me out of a pool if they saw me floating there. Unfortunately, all it takes is a couple minutes for brain damage or death.
Back in the day this might have been the case but with newer training standards and unannounced guard surveillance it's much less likely. Lifeguards from every certifying agency are required to scan their assigned zone continuously, failure to do so will lead to having your cert pulled on the spot. (former evaluator for Ellis & Assoc.)
How can there be any area of the pool that is out of eyeshot of the liftguard?
It should NEVER happen, not only is it very dangerous, liability would be astronomical.
Is swimming 25yrd without breathing as dangerous? (I often do that.)
If you're in any kind of shape it shouldn't be an issue. The problem comes from hyperventilating beforehand.
If you're in any kind of shape it shouldn't be an issue. The problem comes from hyperventilating beforehand.
Thanks :). I am in great shape. I just take a breath, push off the wall, then go, never hyperventilate. It has to do with my poor breathing method.
Thanks :). I am in great shape. I just take a breath, push off the wall, then go, never hyperventilate. It has to do with my poor breathing method.
Good deal.
I know scuba classes require a surface swim without taking a breath to simulate a CESA (Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent), IIRC from my training way back when, we were specifically told not to hyperventilate. That seems to be the crux of the problem for most people.
Is swimming 25yrd without breathing as dangerous? (I often do that.)
Depends.
Ever try to do a no-breather 25 after sprinting a 50, multiple 50's, etc? You could easily pass out. Generally speaking, I don't have too much trouble doing as many 25's no breather's as I want on :30 (unless they are sprint).
Depends.
Ever try to do a no-breather 25 after sprinting a 50, multiple 50's, etc? You could easily pass out.
Fortunately I never do hard workout immediately before a 25 no-breather. After reading your and Her Majesty the Queen's comments, I'll make sure this remains the case. Now I understand the "crux" of where the danger comes from. Thanks. :D
