About Us

The Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention Foundation seeks to increase awareness and interest in the dangers of Underwater Hypoxic Blackout (UHB) and foster prevention measures at every level and in every sector related to water safety, among people as well as public, private, and non-profit organizations throughout the US and the world.

OurMission

Our mission is to educate all generations, and especially professionals in water safety, education, and medical professions, worldwide, about the dangers of Underwater Hypoxic Blackouts, to honor individuals, institutions, and associations who exemplify progress in advancing aquatic safety, and to save lives and families.

OurGoals

Develop resources

Work with corporations, foundations, and concerned individuals to provide critical funding, talent, and other resources to mitigate the dangers of Underwater Hypoxic Blackout.

Connect People

Network and connect with other individual and institutional leaders to secure and share knowledge, experience, and know-how regarding water safety challenges and the most effective ways to advance water safety.

Collaborate

Collaborate with non-profits, enterprises, professional associations, agencies, and governments to advance aquatic safety in all environments – from swimming pools, both public and private, to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Certify

Establish standards for and then certify aquatic professionals, leaders of water safety programs, and managers of swimming venues that demonstrate their full understanding of the dangers of Underwater Hypoxic/Shallow Water Blackout and best practices to avoid those dangers.

Honor Exemplary Performance

Identify and recognize individuals and institutions, both public and private, who demonstrate effective practices and innovations in mitigating the dangers of Underwater Hypoxic Blackout.

Evaluate and Validate

Conduct due diligence to assess and confirm results, to synthesize learnings, to use learnings to inform and improve current and future strategies and initiatives, and to instill confidence in our work.

Gene Whitner Milner III

December 10, 1985 – April 17, 2011

Whitner’sStory

Gene “Whitner” Milner died at the young age of 25 in his family’s swimming pool from Underwater Hypoxic Blackout (shallow water blackout). His death was caused by breath-holding or hypoxic training. Whitner had been intrigued by the sport of spearfishing and had begun practicing breath-holding to increase his free diving time. He was able to hold his breath for over 3 minutes. He was also a strong swimmer and in fabulous condition as one can see by his photographs. In fact, Whitner thought with perseverance and determination he could accomplish anything, and he just about did (see his obituary in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 20, 2011).

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