Course Format: Single Training Video (18 minutes, 49 seconds) + 15-Question Quiz
In this important aquatic safety training presented by renowned water safety expert Dr. Tom Griffiths, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of Shallow Water Blackout (SWB)—one of the most misunderstood and potentially deadly hazards in aquatic environments. Through decades of research, real-world case studies, and medical evidence, Dr. Griffiths explains why competitive breath-holding, underwater swimming, and hyperventilation can quickly lead to unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, seizures, drowning, and sudden death.
Participants will learn how Shallow Water Blackout occurs, why highly skilled swimmers and athletes are often at greatest risk, and why many incidents happen in plain sight without warning signs. The course explores the physiology behind breath-holding, the dangers of hypoxic training, and the critical role lifeguards, coaches, and aquatic managers play in prevention.
Participants will learn:
- What Shallow Water Blackout (SWB) is and why it occurs
- The difference between static apnea, dynamic apnea, and hypoxic training
- How hyperventilation affects oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body
- Why competitive breath-holding and underwater swimming can be deadly
- The warning signs and risk factors associated with SWB incidents
- Why highly trained athletes, swimmers, and military personnel are often among the victims
- The role of lifeguards in recognizing and preventing dangerous underwater activities
- Best practices for aquatic facilities, swim teams, and water safety programs
- Emergency response considerations when an unconscious victim is found underwater
- Strategies for educating staff, swimmers, and parents about this preventable hazard
This course consists of a single 18-minute, 31-second training video followed by a 15-question assessment. Participants who successfully achieve a passing score of 80% or higher on the quiz will earn a Certificate of Completion.
Recommended For: Lifeguards, aquatic supervisors, pool managers, swim instructors, swim coaches, aquatic facility operators, water safety professionals, military aquatic trainers, competitive swimmers, and anyone responsible for supervising aquatic activities.