Pool News
Man Holds Breath for 29 Minutes: Poolside Feat Shatters World Record
Think you’re the champ at holding your breath underwater? Think again. A Croatian man broke the world record lasting over 29 minutes on a single breath!
On June 14, 2025, in a hotel pool in Opatija, Croatia, Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić lay back beneath the surface and didn’t breathe—incredibly—for 29 minutes and 3 seconds. The attempt, verified by Guinness World Records officials and witnessed by roughly 100 spectators, smashed the previous oxygen-assisted mark by nearly five minutes and instantly became one of the most astonishing endurance feats ever recorded. Maričić framed the effort as both a personal challenge and a way to draw attention to ocean conservation, adding a purpose that extended beyond physiology and performance.
While “holding your breath” sounds simple, the record sits at the intersection of careful science, meticulous training, strict safety protocols—and significant risk. Here’s what happened, how it compares with past records (with and without oxygen), what the science says about the dangers of extreme apnea, how elite athletes train for it, and how similar principles can help you swim faster, farther, and colder—safely.
The New Benchmark—and What “Oxygen-Assisted” Means
Guinness lists Maričić’s mark—29:03—as the longest time breath held voluntarily underwater (male). The attempt followed Guinness rules for oxygen-assisted static apnea, which allow breathing 100% O₂ before submersion (in Maričić’s case, 10 minutes). Pre-breathing oxygen raises body oxygen stores and blunts the normal “panic” signal from carbon-dioxide-sensing chemoreceptors, delaying the urge to breathe and pushing the body deeper into its oxygen reserves. Maričić later described the last minutes as a battle against painful diaphragm contractions rather than a crisis of will.
How big a leap is this? The prior oxygen-assisted record stood at 24:37, set in 2021 by fellow Croatian Budimir “Buda” Šobat—a mark Maričić bested by almost five minutes. Before Šobat, Spain’s Aleix Segura held 24:03 (2016), and earlier attempts included David Blaine’s televised 17:04 (2008).
It’s important to distinguish oxygen-assisted records from unaided, competition “static apnea” records (no pure O₂ allowed). Under AIDA International rules (the sport’s governing body), the men’s static apnea record is 11:35 by Stéphane Mifsud. Guinness has separately recognized Branko Petrović at 11:54 in 2014 under its protocols—illustrating how sanctioning bodies keep different ledgers depending on event definitions and verification standards.
How It Stacks Up to Marine Mammals (Reality Check)
Human O₂-assisted apnea now exceeds typical dolphin dives and overlaps the upper range of harbor seals. Bottlenose dolphins commonly dive for 20–40 seconds and can hold for around 10–15 minutes in extreme cases; harbor seals typically stay down a few minutes but can reach about 30 minutes. But we’re still far shy of the true champions: elephant seals can remain submerged up to two hours, and Cuvier’s beaked whales have been recorded on dives lasting 222 minutes (3 hours, 42 minutes). O₂ helps humans stretch the envelope, but marine mammals evolved a different league of adaptations.
Is Holding Your Breath For That Long Dangerous?
Even for experts with medical oversight, prolonged apnea can be dangerous. Key risks include:
• Shallow-Water Blackout (Hypoxic Blackout). Hyperventilation before a hold (or the dynamics of ascent during a dive) can suppress the CO₂ signal that normally forces you to breathe, leading to sudden loss of consciousness without warning—often near the surface. Blackouts in water are frequently fatal without immediate rescue.
• Lung Barotrauma and “Squeeze.” As pressure increases at depth, lung volume decreases; if compression surpasses tissue tolerance, pulmonary barotrauma or edema can occur, presenting as chest tightness, coughing, or even blood in sputum.
• Decompression Stress. Surprisingly, repetitive or deep breath-hold diving can produce gas bubbles and decompression-like illness in some contexts. Case reports describe neurological symptoms in breath-hold divers.
• Other Concerns. Chronic exposure may affect renal function and other systems, though long-term outcomes are still being studied. Bottom line: the margin for error shrinks quickly as efforts become extreme.
• Safety: All serious apnea training belongs under qualified instruction, with strict protocols, a trained buddy, and no hyperventilation. The best practices involve normal breathe-ups before a final inhale and immediate recovery breathing after surfacing.
How Elite Freedivers Train Their Bodies and Minds
- They harness the mammalian dive response. Submerging the face and holding your breath triggers a reflex suite: bradycardia (slowed heart rate), peripheral vasoconstriction (directing blood to the brain and heart), and splenic contraction (dumping extra red blood cells to raise oxygen-carrying capacity). Training seems to amplify parts of this response; in elite divers, spleen size and lung volumes correlate with performance, and short training blocks can measurably alter spleen dynamics.
- They build CO₂ tolerance and manage hypoxia—progressively. Common tools include CO₂ and O₂ tables (structured intervals that progressively increase breath-hold difficulty), apnea walks (breath-holds while gently walking), and relaxation drills. These methods condition the body and—crucially—the mind to remain calm as CO₂ rises and diaphragm contractions begin.
- They perfect breathe-ups and recovery breathing. Contrary to myth, hyperventilating before a hold is dangerous. Best practice is a normal, calming breathe-up, a full but unforced final inhalation, and then post-apnea “hook”/recovery breathing (short, pressurized inhales with brief holds) to rapidly restore oxygen saturation and maintain airway control after surfacing.
- They respect strict supervision. Organized training and competitions require safety divers and rehearsed rescue protocols. Recreational swimmers and triathletes should never simulate extreme apnea underwater; even pool “hypoxic sets” have led to tragedies.
Previous Records: A Short, Clear Timeline
- Oxygen-assisted (Guinness):
• 29:03 – Vitomir Maričić (Croatia), Opatija, June 14, 2025.
• 24:37 – Budimir Šobat (Croatia), 2021.
• 24:03 – Aleix Segura (Spain), 2016.
• 17:04 – David Blaine (USA), 2008 (televised). - Unaided static apnea (no O₂ before the hold):
• AIDA: 11:35 – Stéphane Mifsud (France).
• Guinness: 11:54 – Branko Petrović (Serbia, 2014).
These categories are sometimes conflated in headlines; the underlying rules differ, which is why it’s valuable to specify “oxygen-assisted” vs. “unaided.”
What This Training Unlocks Beyond Breath-Holding
You may never aim for minutes-long apnea, but the underlying respiratory control, efficiency, and mental composure translate directly into other aquatic goals.
Swim Faster: Breathing muscles and hydrodynamics
• Train the engine: Respiratory muscle training can produce measurable performance gains in sprint and mid-distance events. Stronger breathing muscles reduce the metabolic cost of ventilation and may delay fatigue.
• Streamline to save energy: Reducing drag—by maintaining a tight, aligned body position—has an outsized effect on speed.
• Use breath rhythm wisely: Regulating breathing patterns helps balance oxygen delivery with efficient stroke mechanics.
Swim in Cold Water: Habituate the “cold shock” response
The gasp, hyperventilation, and heart-rate spike you feel on first immersion—cold shock—can be reduced with progressive exposure. Even a handful of sessions of repeated cold-water entry can blunt the reflex, making cold swims safer and more comfortable.
Practical takeaways: Accumulate short, supervised cold exposures; wear insulation when needed; and always swim with safety support in open water.
Swim Longer: Fueling, pacing, and technique for distance
• Fuel early and often: Marathon swimmers refine feeding routines, minimizing stoppage time.
• Rehearse pacing: Training long swims at 65–75% of goal pace prepares both body and mind.
• Protect shoulders: Efficient technique reduces drag and fatigue over hours in the water.
A Final Word on Purpose and Responsibility
Maričić’s record—performed under tight controls with medical and safety oversight—demonstrates a remarkable human capability and, in his case, a platform for ocean advocacy. But it also underscores a non-negotiable truth: extreme breath-holding is inherently risky. For most swimmers, the smartest way to apply “apnea lessons” is indirectly—by building respiratory strength, mastering relaxation, refining streamlining, acclimating safely to cold, and rehearsing feeding and pacing for long efforts.
If you’re inspired to explore breath-hold training, do it the right way: get instruction, use a buddy, avoid hyperventilation, follow recovery-breathing protocols, and keep in-water holds conservative. Adaptations accumulate over weeks and months; there’s no shortcut that’s worth your life.
Landmark Aquatic is pleased to announce that three of its aquatic facility projects received 2026 PHTA Awards of Excellence from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), one of the pool and spa industry’s premier design competitions.
- Doris Roznovak Aquatic Center, Taylor, TX — Merit Award, Commercial Aquatic Facilities
- Danville High School Natatorium Danville, IN — Merit Award, Commercial Aquatic Facilities
- Astra Tower Apartments, Salt Lake City, UT — Silver Award, Elevated Pool and Spa Structures
PHTA is the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry. Its annual International Awards of Excellence is one of the industry’s largest and most respected design competitions, recognizing the most creative and innovative pools, spas, hot tubs, and water features built each year. Hundreds of entries are submitted annually by professionals across the U.S. and around the world.
“PHTA is proud to recognize our members for their craftsmanship, inspired design, and dedication to elevating the industry,” said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA.
“These awards reflect what it takes to design, build, operate, and maintain a truly successful aquatic facility,” said J. Ryan Casserly, Chief Executive Officer of Landmark Aquatic. “That level of commitment shows up in the work of everyone on our team, and we’re proud to keep investing in serving our customers and the communities who enjoy these facilities.”
About Landmark
Landmark Aquatic is a nationwide provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance services, with more than six decades of industry experience. Landmark supports clients across most of the U.S. through construction-led solutions and its AquatiCare maintenance program — delivering excellence “for the life of your pool” and building long-term partnerships through exceptional service and forward-thinking solutions. Learn more at www.landmarkaquatic.com
NORRISTOWN, Pennsylvania – Women in the Industry (WITI), an initiative of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), is proud to host its 3rd Annual WITI Walk on Sunday, October 11, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at scenic Norristown Farm Park in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Participants may also join virtually from anywhere in the country, allowing supporters nationwide to walk, run, or donate in support of a shared mission: ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn the life-saving skill of swimming.
The walk benefits Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS), a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing childhood drowning by providing swim lesson scholarships to children from low-income families, promoting water safety education, and advancing legislation that expands access to drowning prevention resources. Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages one to four, making access to swimming lessons and water safety education more important than ever.
The partnership between NESPA, WITI, and Every Child a Swimmer reflects the pool industry’s unwavering commitment to safety. While WITI exists to empower, mentor, and elevate women throughout the industry, its members also recognize the important role they play in protecting families and promoting the safe enjoyment of water. Together, these organizations help educate communities, expand access to swim lessons, and work toward a future where every child has the opportunity to learn to swim.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Every Child a Swimmer,” said WITI leadership. “As women in the pool industry, we understand that our work extends beyond building and maintaining pools, it includes educating communities, promoting water safety, and helping save lives. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.”
Leading Every Child a Swimmer is Executive Director Casey McGovern, whose commitment to drowning prevention is deeply personal.
After losing her 19-month-old daughter, Edna Mae (“Em”), to drowning in 2009, McGovern dedicated her life to ensuring other families never experience the same tragedy. Today, her leadership has helped grow Every Child a Swimmer into a national network of more than 430 participating swim school locations across 46 states, providing nearly $1 million annually in swim lesson scholarships for children in need.
“Our mission is simple,” said McGovern. “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Through partnerships like WITI, we’re expanding access to swim lessons, measuring outcomes, and helping ensure more children gain the skills they need to stay safe around water.”
Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to register, walk, run, sponsor the event, or donate. Those unable to attend in Pennsylvania can participate virtually from anywhere in the country by walking in their own communities while supporting the cause online.
Register Today
https://nespa.users.membersuite.com/events/683a8c52-0078-ce39-202f-0b49bfa98b74/details
Event Information:
2026 WITI Walk
Sunday, October 11, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Norristown Farm Park
2500 Upper Farm Road
Norristown, PA 19403
Virtual participation is available nationwide.
Every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps provide life-saving swim lessons to children who otherwise could not afford them. Thanks to generous matching support, every dollar donated will be quadrupled, significantly increasing the impact for children and families.
About Women in the Industry (WITI)
Women in the Industry (WITI), an initiative of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), is dedicated to empowering, connecting, mentoring, and supporting women throughout the pool, spa, and outdoor living industry. Through education, networking, philanthropy, and leadership opportunities, WITI fosters professional growth while giving back to communities through charitable initiatives such as the annual WITI Walk.
About the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA)
The Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) is a regional trade association serving the pool, spa, and outdoor living industry throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. For more than 65 years, NESPA has supported its members through education, advocacy, professional development, networking, and consumer outreach while promoting the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and industry excellence.
About Every Child a Swimmer
Every Child a Swimmer is a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing childhood drowning by providing swim lesson scholarships to children from low-income families, promoting water safety education, and advocating for legislation that expands access to drowning prevention initiatives. The organization believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn the life-saving skill of swimming.
Media Contact
Phone: 609.689.9111
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nespapool.org
Drone delivery may be the future of getting everyday purchases to your doorstep, but apparently Amazon still has a few kinks to work out — particularly when swimming pools are involved.
A video making the rounds on social media this week shows what should have been a routine Amazon drone delivery going very wrong. Instead of safely depositing the customer’s order on dry ground, the package winds up in the backyard swimming pool.
The incident is funny enough when viewed through the lens of an unexpected pool delivery. But it also highlights a very real challenge Amazon faces as it prepares to dramatically expand its Prime Air drone delivery program across the United States.
And remarkably, this isn’t the first time an Amazon drone has put a customer’s package in the pool.
Amazon Has Already Made This Mistake Before
In July 2025, Arizona resident Daniel Muniz decided to try Prime Air after seeing drone delivery available for his order in Avondale.
The delivery was captured on video.
Amazon’s drone successfully reached the property and released the shoebox-sized package over the designated area. There was just one problem: the downward force generated by the drone’s propellers pushed the package several feet across the yard and directly into Muniz’s swimming pool.
Fortunately, the contents weren’t particularly vulnerable to water. Muniz had ordered vitamins.
The incident was especially notable because Amazon’s delivery system is designed to identify suitable drop locations around a customer’s property. Amazon explains that its mapping technology identifies “delivery zones” free of obstacles and establishes appropriate delivery points within those areas.
The company even specifically acknowledges swimming pools as something the technology needs to recognize.
According to Amazon, a swimming pool can appear to be a flat surface in satellite imagery despite obviously being an unsuitable location for a package delivery. Once the drone reaches the designated location, the aircraft descends to approximately 13 feet above the ground, checks that the area is clear and releases the package.
In the Avondale incident, the package wasn’t intentionally dropped into the water. It initially landed on dry ground before the drone’s prop wash sent it into the pool.
Amazon apologized to the customer at the time, characterizing incidents like it as rare.
A year later, however, another swimming pool has clearly managed to intercept an Amazon delivery.
Pools Aren’t the Only Problem
Swimming pools haven’t been the only unexpected destinations for Amazon’s drones.
In another widely reported incident, an Amazon delivery drone came down in a residential garden after experiencing problems during operation. Other incidents have been considerably more serious than a wet package.
In February 2026, an Amazon Prime Air drone struck the exterior of an apartment complex in Richardson, Texas, before the damaged aircraft fell to the ground.
Amazon’s drone program has also faced scrutiny following collisions involving infrastructure. These episodes underscore the complexity of operating autonomous aircraft at scale in residential environments where drones must contend with buildings, trees, utility infrastructure, changing weather conditions and other obstacles.
Amazon says its latest MK30 drones use a sophisticated perception and “Detect-and-Avoid” system designed to identify obstacles and make navigation decisions autonomously.
That technology is going to become increasingly important because Amazon isn’t backing away from drone delivery.
It’s doing the opposite.
Amazon Plans a Massive Drone Delivery Expansion
Amazon announced this week that it intends to expand Prime Air to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of 2026, a dramatic increase from the 11 locations where the service currently operates. New markets are expected to include areas around Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland, Syracuse and Boise.
The company says each Prime Air location can serve communities within roughly a 7.5-mile radius. Its MK30 drones can transport eligible packages weighing up to five pounds, with Amazon targeting delivery times of roughly an hour or less.
Amazon has already completed hundreds of thousands of drone deliveries this year, according to Prime Air Vice President David Carbon.
The long-term ambitions are considerably larger.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has said the company believes drone delivery could eventually reach 30 million customers and handle as many as half a billion packages annually by 2030.
The appeal isn’t difficult to understand.
For small, lightweight purchases, a drone potentially eliminates much of the traditional last-mile delivery process. Instead of waiting for a delivery van to work its way through dozens or hundreds of stops, an individual aircraft can carry an order directly from a nearby fulfillment facility to a customer’s home.
Need sunscreen before heading outside? Batteries for a poolside speaker? A replacement part or bottle of test strips?
Amazon envisions those types of purchases arriving from the sky in less time than it might take someone to drive to a store and back.
The company says more than 60,000 products are already eligible for drone delivery in supported markets, ranging from household necessities to electronics.
That’s a compelling vision of where residential delivery could be headed.
The technology just needs to become consistently boring.
Right now, the occasional drone crash, unexpected landing or package taking a swim makes for an entertaining viral video. As Amazon expands Prime Air from a relatively limited program into hundreds of communities, however, the margin for these mistakes becomes increasingly important.
Delivering a bottle of vitamins into someone’s swimming pool is inconvenient and a little funny.
Doing the same thing with a smartphone probably isn’t.
Judging by the occasional package ending up at the bottom of a swimming pool, there are still a few bugs left to work out first.
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