05/31/2026
Water Smart Rule # 5: Don’t Hold Your Breath (literally)
Breath-holding contests? Yeah, let’s not.
They might seem like harmless fun, but breath-holding games in the
water can be seriously dangerous, even for strong swimmers.
❌Holding your breath too long can lead to shallow water blackout, a silent and sudden emergency that can happen without warning.
At the Y, we teach that water safety isn’t just about swimming, it’s about smart choices. So, skip the contests, and keep the fun safe for everyone.