Humans cannot breathe underwater like fish; if they want to immerse themselves, they need to hold their breath. So, how long can an average person hold their breath underwater?
When playing in pools or lakes, teenagers often compete to see who can hold their breath the longest. Athletes or divers also frequently test their limits this way. Regular practice is a method to extend the duration of breath-holding underwater.
An average person can hold their breath for 30-90 seconds and up to two minutes underwater.
According to Wonderopolis, an individual in good health can hold their breath for 30-90 seconds and up to two minutes underwater. Experts warn against trying to hold one’s breath for too long, as it can lead to negative effects.
When a person holds their breath, carbon dioxide (CO2) builds up in their system. After a certain point, this gas must be released, triggering a reflex that causes the muscles controlling respiration to contract. These contractions can be painful and typically cause a person to gasp for air after just a few minutes.
The current record for the longest breath-hold underwater belongs to Budimir Buda Šobat, who managed to hold his breath for 24 minutes and 33 seconds.
The reason a person can hold their breath for such a long time underwater is due to the body’s adjustments, which help slow the heart rate and reduce energy consumption, thereby absorbing as little oxygen as possible.
According to the Daily Mail, an amateur diver’s heart rate can decrease by 10 to 30% when submerged. However, professional divers can reduce their heart rates by more than 50%.
