What is the average length of time that a person can hold their breath underwater?

Question

I keep trying to increase the amount of time I can swim underwater but I always do lousy.Houdini managed 10 minutes I think.

Answer 1

The average is somewhere between 3 and 4 minutes. I can do about 4. An experienced scuba diver can probably go for 5 minutes or more. It's all about lung capacity. There are these guys called free-divers who pursue the world record for depth without any breathing aids, only what they can hold in their lungs. These guys (and girls) are pushing the absolute limits of human capability, holding their breath for times well beyond 10 minutes. There must be a site about them with more info.

Answer 2

About 30 - 45 seconds

Answer 3

About 30 - 45 seconds

Answer 4

Guinness world records show that i guy did it for about 5 or 6 minutes. I doubt Houdini managed 10 minutes though

Answer 5

It's about 3 minutes.

Answer 6

I think average is about 30 seconds or so. When I was really into skin diving and snorkeling I was able to hold my breath for about two minutes depending on how much physical effort I expended.

Answer 7

An average person is about 45 seconds......an experienced person on the other hand it is about 3 minutes ....give or take a few seconds.

Answer 8

I can hold my breath for about 2 minutes. Don't know the truth about Houdini though, i think that was just a trick...unless he's that kind of guy who sport diving without oxygen tanks.

Answer 9

3 min if you are lucky.
indefinitely if you are not.

Answer 10

Usually three minutes. Thanks 4 asking a question at yahoo!!