The Redwoods Group recently released several articles about the dangers of underwater breath holding and shallow-water blackout. http://www.redwoodsgroup.com/YMCAs/RiskManagement/FeaturesRMA03.asp http://www.redwoodsgroup.com/YMCAs/RiskManagement/Lesson1.asp http://www.redwoodsgroup.com/YMCAs/RiskManagement/Lesson2.asp http://www.redwoodsgroup.com/YMCA/Y_AquaticAlert_HypoxicTrainingDeath_3.24.08.pdf We are unequivocal in our recommendation - YMCAs must prohibit all prolonged, competitive, and repetitive breath holding activities. Of course, some amount of breath holding is inherent in any swimming activity. What must be cleared up is the difference between appropriate breathing control in the...
Welcome to Redwoods Aquatics Blog. This blog exists as an online platform for The Redwoods Group staff and YMCA, JCC, and other aquatics professionals to share knowledge and best practices for running safe pools and waterfronts. We all have a common goal-that not one more life is lost in our water-and we hope that through this blog we can help move closer to that goal. On the blog, we will post articles on current aquatics safety issues authored by Redwoods staff or guest authors from YMCAs, JCCs, and the greater community of aquatics professionals. We will also try to answer any questions or address any topics that you ask of us. To get started, let's lay out the basics. The key to effective...