Breath holding while swimming

Question
QUESTION: I am a reasonably fit and active 66 year old. After playing badminton I pop into the pool for a swim and cool down. I have a very modest ambition to swim the 25 metre length underwater. My best is around 20 metres but often a bit shorter than that. Can you help? Thank you, Tony

ANSWER: Tony,

After playing a game like badminton, especially if you play to the level of some of my Asian friends in college, your heart rate will be elevated, not to mention transitioning from warm air into cool water and then doing a dynamic swim without allowing your body time to adjust. Meeting your goal might be possible simply by attempting it when you a fresh. You'll want a slow heart rate and a relaxed, efficient swim style. A good underwater breaststroke with pull and lots of glide should do it for you. It's important to have a spotter because if no one is there to aid you if you should black out the consequences can be fatal. I would try to reach your goal by doing it in a pool with a lifeguard and ask the lifeguard to evaluate the efficiency of your underwater swim stroke. This way you could get some coaching to make your task more efficient while at the same time having a professional rescuer available in the event of an emergency. It is extremely important not to attempt to reach breath hold or dynamic goals without a spotter. Many people have died in pools breath holding. I, myself, have suffered a blackout in a pool and was saved because I had both another freediver as a spotter and a lifeguard on duty. Your best bet is to hire a freediving instructor in your area for coaching on proper breathing techniques, swimming and safety. Since you are just 5 meters short of your goal, at times, my guess is that adjustments to your stroke might get you more distance for the effort. That, combined with a proper breathe up, and a safety spotter should be all you need.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: That's a great reply. Could you tell me what is a 'proper breathe up'?

Tony

Answer
Unfortunately, due to liability, I cannot get into the nuances of a proper breathe up. However, as a way of cautioning you, I can say that hyperventilation in which you will take many rapid breaths is a dangerous technique for dynamic swimming because it might increase your chances of blacking out. Slow full breaths as if meditating or attempting to reduce stress will be more beneficial. However, at your age, you still have the ability to learn and participate in breath hold diving activities for fun if you are in good health. That's why I would suggest searching for an instructor in your area. Paying for a day of coaching might end up opening doors to an activity that will allow you to increase or maintain your fitness with low impact exercise as well as allow you a way of enjoying the silence of the underwater world.