This Day in History: On this day (May 1) in 1904, 19-year-old duck hunter John Mortensen of Wairoa, New Zealand, drowned in about 6 inches (150 mm) of water on the Whare-o-Maraenui reserve in Napier, New Zealand, apparently having fallen while suffering a seizure.
It's actually not that uncommon for people to drown in shallow water. According to statistics, 25% of drowning deaths nationwide happen in water that's only 3 feet or less. While the above example was due to a seizure, fast moving water may be another way people can drown in shallow water.
There is also a phenomenon known as "Shallow Water Blackout." 'The term is generally used to describe when someone loses consciousness underwater as a result of holding their breath. Shallow Water Blackout Prevention says the condition 'can affect anyone who is breath-holding, even the physically fit swimmer. It is especially seen in competitive swimmers, Navy SEALs, snorkelers, spearfishermen or anyone who free-dives.'
The Medical Journal of Australia describes the condition - also known as 'hypoxic blackout' or 'apnoeic hypoxia' - as a 'distinct and largely preventable cause of drowning'. Source
This happens when people push themselves to the limit by holding their breath beyond what is normal for them.
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