Most healthy, untrained adults can usually hold their breath for about 30–90 seconds comfortably.

Typical breath-hold times

• Untrained adults: About 30–90 seconds is typical before the urge to breathe becomes strong.

• With some practice (but not elite training): Many people can work up to around 1–2 minutes.

• Highly trained free divers and athletes: Can sometimes hold their breath safely for 3 minutes or longer under controlled conditions.

Safety considerations

Most experts suggest that around 1 minute to 90 seconds is a reasonable upper limit for the average person to push to without supervision, as going much longer increases the risk of passing out and other complications. Breath- holding should be done carefully, and prolonged or repeated breath-holds underwater should only be practiced with proper training and supervision due to the risk of shallow-water blackout and drowning.