World Records: The Incredible Feats
The world records for breath-holding, a discipline known as static apnea, are split into two categories: oxygen-assisted and unaided. The current Guinness World Record for the longest voluntary breath-hold with oxygen pre-breathing was set by Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić, who held his breath for an astonishing 29 minutes and 3 seconds on June 14, 2025. This was achieved by inhaling pure oxygen for several minutes prior to the attempt to hyper-oxygenate his blood, a technique known as pre-oxygenation or denitrogenation.
In the unaided category, which involves holding one's breath without any pre-breathing of pure oxygen, the record is significantly shorter but still exceptionally impressive. The record for an unaided voluntary breath-hold is 11 minutes and 35 seconds, set by Serbia's Branko Petrovic in 2014. These elite times stand in stark contrast to the average person, who can typically hold their breath for only 30 to 90 seconds.
The Physiology Behind a Breath-Hold
When a person holds their breath, several physiological changes occur to help the body cope with the deprivation of oxygen (hypoxia) and the buildup of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia). The primary stimulus that drives the involuntary urge to breathe is not a lack of oxygen, but the accumulation of carbon dioxide. Specialized cells called chemoreceptors monitor the blood's chemistry and send a signal to the brain, triggering diaphragm contractions and the feeling of air hunger. Experienced freedivers learn to override this psychological response through intensive training and mental fortitude.
The Mammalian Dive Reflex
Humans possess a fascinating physiological adaptation known as the mammalian dive reflex, which is enhanced during a breath-hold, especially with the face submerged in cold water. This reflex consists of three main components:
- Bradycardia: A significant slowing of the heart rate to conserve oxygen.
- Peripheral Vasoconstriction: The blood vessels in the extremities constrict, diverting oxygenated blood to the most critical organs: the heart and brain.
- Spleen Contraction: The spleen, which acts as a reservoir for red blood cells, contracts to release more oxygen-carrying cells into the bloodstream.
Training Adaptations
Elite apneists train for years to improve their breath-hold duration by enhancing these natural reflexes and physiological capacities. Some training methods focus on improving tolerance to increasing CO2 levels (CO2 tables), while others focus on managing reduced oxygen levels (O2 tables). These tables involve practicing a series of breath-holds with decreasing rest periods or increasing hold times. Relaxation and mindfulness techniques are also crucial to minimize the body's metabolic rate and oxygen consumption.
The Dangers of Breath-Holding
Despite the impressive feats of professional freedivers, attempting prolonged breath-holds without proper training and supervision is extremely dangerous. The most significant risk is a hypoxic blackout, or shallow water blackout, which can occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen. The body’s natural instinct to breathe will take over, and if the individual is underwater, they will inhale water and drown. It is a critical safety rule to never practice breath-holding alone, especially in or near water.
Other health risks include:
- Heart arrhythmia or heart attack due to strain on the cardiovascular system.
- Stroke and seizures resulting from brain hypoxia.
- Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and lung injury.
- Damage to other sensitive organs like the kidneys and liver.
For more information on the critical importance of safety in freediving, the Divers Alert Network offers excellent resources on Freediving Safety Awareness.
A Comparison of Breath-Hold Abilities
| Category | Duration | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen-Assisted Record | 29 minutes, 3 seconds | Pre-breathing pure oxygen, extensive training |
| Unaided Record | 11 minutes, 35 seconds | High tolerance to CO2/low O2, mammalian dive reflex |
| Average Person | 30–90 seconds | Normal body reflexes triggered by CO2 buildup |
| Bottlenose Dolphin | Approx. 10 minutes | Biological adaptations for aquatic life |
| Cuvier's Beaked Whale | Over 3 hours | Extreme physiological adaptations for deep diving |
Conclusion
The longest a human has ever held their breath is a truly awe-inspiring accomplishment that showcases the incredible potential of the human body and mind. The distinction between oxygen-assisted and unaided records is crucial for understanding the difference between boosting the body's capacity artificially versus pushing its natural limits through training and adaptation. While these records are a testament to human endurance, the dangers of breath-holding, especially underwater, cannot be overstated. Extreme breath-holding is a highly specialized skill requiring years of dedicated training and strict safety protocols, and should never be attempted casually by the average person.
