In this debut episode of The Breath Hold Breakdown, Britt Jackson shares the deeply personal origins of the Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention Foundation, born from the loss of Whitner Milner and strengthened by the Watson family’s advocacy. She explains how underwater hypoxic blackout (UHB)—once known as shallow water blackout—can strike even the strongest swimmers without warning. Britt walks listeners through the science of breath-holding, the unseen dangers that make UHB uniquely deadly, and how families, lifeguards, and fitness enthusiasts alike can help prevent future tragedies.

Key Takeaways:

• Underwater hypoxic blackout occurs when a swimmer loses consciousness from lack of oxygen after prolonged breath-holding.
• The condition often affects strong, experienced swimmers and fitness enthusiasts.
• Lifeguards cannot spot an underwater blackout from above the surface.
• Families founded the UHB Prevention Foundation after personal tragedies to raise awareness and save lives.
• Educational resources like signage, data tracking, PSAs, and children’s materials are available at uhbp.org.
• Influencers and wellness trends promoting extended breath-holding can unintentionally spread unsafe practices.