What is Shallow Water Blackout
Shallow Water Blackout is a dangerous phenomenon that can occur when a person loses consciousness underwater due to lack of oxygen. This can happen when a person stays submerged for an extended period of time or hyperventilates before diving, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels in the bloodstream.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs of shallow water blackout include dizziness, confusion, and loss of motor control. In severe cases, it can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
Prevention
To prevent shallow water blackout, it is important to never hyperventilate before diving, always dive with a buddy, and be mindful of how long you are staying underwater.
Case Studies
- A professional diver in Australia lost consciousness while diving alone and tragically drowned due to shallow water blackout.
- In the United States, a young swimmer experienced shallow water blackout during practice and had to be rescued by a coach.
Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States, with shallow water blackout accounting for a significant portion of these deaths.
