In a terrifying incident that could have ended in tragedy, 8-year-old Easton Gray of Festus, Missouri, was found unresponsive in a swimming pool after attempting to hold his breath underwater. The near-drowning, which occurred in early July 2024, is now being used by his family as a public warning about a little-known but deadly phenomenon called shallow water blackout. According to his mother, Easton was trying to beat his personal record of how long he could hold his breath underwater when he passed out, slipped beneath the surface, and nearly lost his life.
Shallow water blackout happens when a swimmer hyperventilates or holds their breath too long, causing a dangerous drop in oxygen levels that can lead to unconsciousness and drowning—without any signs of struggle. Unlike traditional drowning, victims may sink silently and go unnoticed until it’s too late. The condition is especially dangerous because it can happen to healthy, strong swimmers—like Easton—who challenge themselves with breath-holding games.
Easton’s mother, Jenna Gray, says she had never heard of the term before the incident. "I just want to get this message out there to as many people as possible,” she told People Magazine. “I don't want anyone to go through what I went through."
Easton was pulled from the pool by his cousin, already purple and unresponsive. Family members quickly began performing CPR, and paramedics rushed him to a hospital where he was placed on a ventilator. Doctors confirmed he suffered from a shallow water blackout and was lucky to have survived with no permanent damage. Easton is now fully recovered, but his family’s mission is just beginning.
They’ve started educating others about the hidden dangers of underwater breath-holding and are encouraging all parents, swimmers, and lifeguards to be alert for signs and to prevent such incidents through awareness and rule-setting.
Here are critical steps to prevent shallow water blackout and protect children from similar tragedies:
No Breath-Holding Games: Discourage kids from holding their breath underwater, even in supervised settings.
Educate Swimmers: Teach children about the dangers of pushing their limits under water.
Always Supervise: Ensure a responsible adult is actively watching swimmers, especially when underwater play is involved.
Lifeguard Training: Ensure all lifeguards and supervisors are trained to recognize the signs of shallow water blackout.
Know CPR: Immediate response can mean the difference between life and death.
When a near-drowning occurs, especially in a supervised or public setting, there may be legal questions regarding negligence, inadequate supervision, or a failure to provide lifesaving equipment or procedures. Families may be entitled to pursue claims if conditions contributed to the incident, including:
Lack of proper supervision or certified lifeguards
Failure to warn about breath-holding dangers
Unsafe pool environments or training protocols
An experienced drowning attorney can help evaluate the circumstances and guide families through the legal options available after a near-fatal water incident.
Led by Michael Haggard, Esq., Aquatic Attorneys is dedicated to representing families affected by drowning and near-drowning tragedies. With decades of experience in aquatic injury law, we are committed to helping victims secure justice and raise awareness to prevent similar tragedies.
If your child was injured due to a shallow water blackout or other swimming pool incident, contact Aquatic Attorneys today for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and explore all legal avenues for accountability and compensation.
Source:
