I have been swimming at a local YMCA for the past 11 years. They have had an on again and off again (mostly off) Masters program. I try to swim 3-4 times a week and have always performed essentially the same "routine" before my swim.
Recently, I have been warned, and notified that I am at risk of being kicked out of the pool for my warm-up routine.
I am fully aware of the risks involving hypoxic blackout. There seems to be some unclear rules regarding "No breath Holding", "only swim 2/3 the length underwater", "only swim 3/4 the length underwater" etc.
Is this behavior unreasonably dangerous?
Any suggestions?
As a routine practice, I have always performed the following actions prior to my swimming workout:
Kind of a weird thing but I always make it a habit of not ‘testing’ the water before jumping in. (Weird I know… but it’s habit)
I place my goggles on my head standing at pools edge and jump in.
I quickly surface, take a breath and perform a dolphin kick swim underwater the length of the pool. (25 Yds).
Upon surfacing, I begin a series of leisurely freestyle strokes, and transition to drills before engaging in my main sets that are approx. 2500-4000 yds.
At no time whatsoever, do I attempt to engage in hyperventilation followed by underwater breath holding, or repetitive underwater laps. Never!
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. In no way will I do anything to risk my ability to use this pool. I also understand fully the challenge that lifeguards face. I have been a lifeguard and a Search And Rescue swimmer in the Navy as well. I think what I am trying to find out is if there is a consensus among various agencies, pools etc as to what behavior or indicators that are used to reduce risk. (ex. No Running, No Diving, No Horseplay) to Hypoxic blackout. Simply stating, "No Breath Holding is allowed" is ridiculous on it's face for anyone entering the water. Are there examples of good rules for lifeguards to enforce? This is a difficult balance for certain since Guards could easily be watching for, and enforcing underwater swimming yet miss the person sitting beside the edge of the pool, hyperventilating and ducking their head under and blacking out. One rule that I ran across states "One Breath, One length, One Time, Only!" Not certain if that's a good enough universal kind of rule but interested in thoughts.
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. In no way will I do anything to risk my ability to use this pool. I also understand fully the challenge that lifeguards face. I have been a lifeguard and a Search And Rescue swimmer in the Navy as well. I think what I am trying to find out is if there is a consensus among various agencies, pools etc as to what behavior or indicators that are used to reduce risk. (ex. No Running, No Diving, No Horseplay) to Hypoxic blackout. Simply stating, "No Breath Holding is allowed" is ridiculous on it's face for anyone entering the water. Are there examples of good rules for lifeguards to enforce? This is a difficult balance for certain since Guards could easily be watching for, and enforcing underwater swimming yet miss the person sitting beside the edge of the pool, hyperventilating and ducking their head under and blacking out. One rule that I ran across states "One Breath, One length, One Time, Only!" Not certain if that's a good enough universal kind of rule but interested in thoughts.
