Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention

06/12/2026

Last Saturday we had the privilege of joining YMCA of South Florida as they kicked off their summer aquatics season with lifeguards and aquatic professionals from across their association.

The best aquatic professionals do not wait until a tragedy occurs to learn about a risk. They prepare before it happens. A special thank you to the leadership team at YMCA of South Florida for recognizing what many organizations have yet to acknowledge: aquatic safety is constantly evolving.

That is why YMCA South Florida has committed to be one of the FIRST to implement the Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention Certification as part of their aquatics staff professional development and in-service training.

Underwater Hypoxic Blackout remains one of the least understood and most preventable causes of drowning among strong swimmers. Yet many aquatic professionals have never received formal education on the topic.

By investing in this training, YMCA South Florida is demonstrating what leadership in aquatic safety looks like. They are proactively equipping their teams with knowledge that has traditionally been absent from lifeguard and aquatics training programs.

Every swimmer deserves an aquatic professional who understands the risks. Every family deserves a safer pool environment. And every aquatic organization has an opportunity to continue raising safety standards.

Every swimmer deserves an aquatic professional who understands the risks. Every family deserves a safer pool environment. And every aquatic organization has an opportunity to continue raising the standard of safety.

Thank you to YMCA South Florida for leading the way, it is a privilege to serve alongside your incredible team!

05/21/2026

We are grateful to the family of Tucker Francis for all the work they are facilitating within the SUB Research Project to gain valuable data points that will help to prevent future incidents due to UHB. Great work being done!

Death by hypoxic blackout in shallow water is a silent public health problem. Scientists use 3D data from elite divers to create predictive models that prevent these tragedies among amateurs.

05/18/2026

We were honored to join child safety leaders from across Florida this week at the Safe Kids Florida Summit in St. Petersburg to present on the growing dangers of underwater breath-holding behaviors and underwater hypoxic blackout.

These conversations matter. Families, educators, medical professionals, and safety advocates all play an important role in recognizing emerging risks and helping prevent tragedy before it happens.

Thank you to Safe Kids Florida for the invitation and for your continued commitment to protecting children through education and awareness.

05/08/2026

What if your child's school could host a water safety day, complete with a fire department visit and a very special dolphin?

We're making it simple.

5/15 is National Water Safety Day, and we have something VERY special to celebrate!

Stay tuned!! 🐬

05/07/2026

Standard lifeguard certifications do not adequately cover Underwater Hypoxic Blackout:

What it is
Behaviors that cause it
How to prevent it
Rescue strategies

Yet it's believed to be the #1 cause of drowning among experienced swimmers.

Our UHB Prevention Certification takes just 1-2 hours.
Certify individuals or your entire team.

Built by leading aquatic safety researchers.

05/04/2026

Please join us TONIGHT for and informative webinar with Craig Sears and !

7 PM EST

Link to join in comments below. ⬇️

02/24/2026

Last week our team had a fantastic time at the AOAP/NDPA International Water Safety Conference in Colorado Springs: a powerful gathering of leaders committed to advancing safety across the aquatics industry.

Britt Jackson, Dr. Tom Griffiths, and Dr. Rhonda Dawes Milner led a session focused on the history and growing awareness of Underwater Hypoxic Blackout, highlighting both the science and the shared responsibility we carry in prevention efforts. The engagement and dialogue in the room reinforced how critical education and collaboration are in this space.

Throughout the conference our team connected with an exceptional network of aquatics professionals who are driving meaningful change in their facilities and communities. We were also joined by Dr. Tana Carson, who is consulting with us as we expand elementary-level water safety education initiatives in the Florida Keys, an important step toward long-term, systemic impact.

Our mascot, “Seth,” made his debut to a warm reception, making lots of new friends. Finley Jackson, co-author of "Take a Breath, Seth!", signed books and joined Charlie Houchin on the Swimmingly® Podcast to further the conversation around prevention and awareness. (Special thanks to Charlie and team for being so fantastic!)

Thanks to everyone who visited our booth, shared encouragement, and continues to prioritize proper signage and safeguards within their aquatic environments.

Real progress happens when awareness turns into action, and we are encouraged by the leadership we witnessed throughout the week.

01/13/2026

https://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/story/news/2026/01/13/palm-beach-fundraiser-supports-reef-memorial-for-diver-lost-in-2024/88072041007/

Palm Beach event at Trevini raised $200,000 for the Virgil M. Price Memorial Reef and the Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention Foundation.

12/02/2025

Underwater hypoxic blackout remains a silent and little-known danger, but with your support, UHBP is entering 2026 prepared to change that on a national scale.

This year, your Giving Tuesday gift will directly fuel four strategic initiatives designed to expand awareness, equip communities, and ensure that no family has to endure what so many of our founding families have faced.

On this Giving Tuesday, we invite you to make a gift that creates real and lasting impact.

When you give, you help save lives.
When you invest, you change the future.

Thank you for standing with us in this work.
Together, we can prevent another family from experiencing the unimaginable.

11/28/2025

An Evening of Legacy, Love, and Life-Saving Impact in Palm Beach 🏝️⁠
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More than 180 friends, family members, and supporters gathered for an unforgettable evening to honor the lives of Virgil Price III and Whitner Milner, two remarkable young men whose stories continue to illuminate the urgent need for underwater hypoxic blackout prevention.⁠
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Hosted in partnership with Virgil’s family, the event brought together a community united by remembrance, hope, and purpose. Together, we celebrated the legacies of Virgil and Whitner while raising critical funds to support the Virgil Price III Memorial Reef Project and the ongoing mission of the Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention Foundation.⁠
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Follow this link to read more: https://underwaterhypoxicblackout.org/an-evening-of-legacy-love-and-life-saving-impact-in-palm-beach/