It is with immense sadness that we share the details of a tragic death due to Underwater Hypoxic Blackout.
Caiden Barber
In preparation for entry into the armed forces, with aspirations of becoming a US Navy SEAL, Caiden Barber (age 19) was training in a YMCA pool (in Kansas) under the direct supervision of two adults - a trainer and a certified on-duty lifeguard. Clear video footage shows that, as both supervising adults watched from the pool deck directly above him, Caiden suffered an Underwater Hypoxic Blackout and was left at the bottom of the pool for over five minutes before anyone attempted a rescue. He did not survive.
Read the incident details, as told by Caiden’s mother, here.
(Warning: Details of incident are graphic)
This horrific incident solidifies the fact that Underwater Hypoxic Blackout can be undetectable from above the surface. Furthermore, it is proof that a swimmer must use the “tapping method” with another person who is IN THE WATER with them in order for a blackout to be detected and corrective action taken in a timely manner.
What can be done to prevent these senseless tragedies due to Underwater Hypoxic Blackout?
We believe the answer is two-fold.
1. Raising awareness through education campaigns of all types
2. Continuing to advocate for mandatory regulations and clear warning signage at all pools and aquatics facilities
We’d like to highlight the YMCA groups who listened to our warnings and have taken the needed steps to implement safety standards at their facilities.
Sheryl Woods and her team with YMCA of South Florida launched a signage campaign in 2023. They set the gold standard for education and prevention when it comes to signage and policies. Thanks to them UHBP was present at the YMCA General Assembly in July of 2023 with warning signage on static display.
Ernest Lamour and his team with YMCA of Rochester have followed Sheryl’s lead and are implementing the same policies and signage.
We applaud these leadership teams for recognizing the societal trends that have led to a spike in underwater hypoxic blackouts, and have taken ACTION to protect the safety and well-being of their members and communities at large. With deepest gratitude we commend them for listening and moving forward.
We are calling on YMCA USA to make this a priority across ALL YMCA’s using the YMCA of South Florida as an example, in the way they created a sense of urgency to implement signage and safety policies within their centers.
We believe that all public and private aquatic facilities should ban underwater breath-holding (without in-water-supervision**) and have clear warning signage posted on all pool decks and waterfronts.
Those interested in posting warning signage at their local facilities are encouraged to access free signage files here. UHBP is ready to assist in signage implementation. Please contact us directly if you have questions or to obtain more information: admin@uhbp.org
Our hearts are broken for the family of Caiden Barber, and although nothing can bring Caiden back, we can do everything possible to prevent the loss of any more lives.
** We believe qualified breath-hold freedive training agencies need access to public pools during non-general public usage with lifeguards on duty. Using the buddy system, proper supervision, and training protocols with continuous monitoring, along with waivers by participants to protect the facility and staff, if the freedivers and facility feel that freediving may be practiced safely.