Quote Originally Posted by Mermaid Marla View Post
Just a quick FYI everyone... I recently read that YMCA is banning mermaiding/freediving mostly due to the holding of one's breath underwater.
Blame "hypoxic training".

"A method... is hypoxic training. The theory is that modifying the muscles’ response in an anaerobic (without oxygen) environment will lead to enhanced performance. There are two types of hypoxic training – static breath holding and dynamic breath holding... Both methods of breath holding are dangerous and can lead to a condition called shallow water blackout (SWB).

The YMCA Lifeguarding textbook On the Guard II states “Do not allow swimmers to swim underwater or to hold their breath during recreational periods.” "

from The Redwoods Group Insurance Program for YMCAs RISK MANAGEMENT ALERT (pdf)