Joint Statement from the American Red Cross and YMCA of the USA on Hypoxic Blackout and Inaccurate Use of the Terminology Shallow Water Blackout

CHICAGO, May 27, 2015– The practices of hyperventilation preceding underwater swimming and extended breath-holding in the water are dangerous and potentially deadly activities. These activities can put the body in a state of hypoxia—a condition in which the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. It is our goal to educa