Parents have several responsibilities when it comes to keeping their kids safe. One of the most critical is ensuring they know the dangers lurking in their everyday environment. 

It can often be particularly challenging regarding topics like shallow water blackout (SWB), a relatively new phenomenon that many parents may not be familiar with.

Click here to check out Yahoo News's recent story about a young man who almost drowned from SWB.

At its core, shallow water blackout is a condition that occurs when a person holds their breath for too long while swimming or diving underwater. It causes them to pass out and potentially drown. 

As such, parents should take steps to educate their kids about how this condition can occur. First, help them understand by discussing common risk factors like:

• hyperventilating before swimming
• breath-holding competitions with their friends
• overconfidence in one's abilities underwater

So, parents, by working with your kids on prevention techniques, you will be able to give your kiddos an extra layer of protection against this dangerous but under-reported condition.