Shallow water blackout (SWB) is a sudden lack of consciousness attributable to a scarcity of oxygen to the mind. It might happen in water as shallow as 2 ft and is usually related to breath-holding actions, comparable to swimming underwater or diving. SWB might be deadly if not handled instantly.
The principle explanation for SWB is a situation known as hypoxia, which happens when the physique doesn’t obtain sufficient oxygen. This will occur when the airway is blocked, comparable to when an individual is drowning or choking. It might additionally occur when an individual hyperventilates, which causes the physique to expel an excessive amount of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a pure stimulant for respiration, so when its ranges drop, the physique could cease respiration altogether.
