[glennv]

To think of it , i can not remember one single freediving related death of someone in a non-spearfishing non exstreme death wish (no-limits) freediving discipline or anyone diving the way freedibing is supposed to be done (with a trained safety buddy).

I have heard of one who died of a 'normal' hart attack during freediving, but that was someone who had a long history of hart problems, so could have happend while running for the bus.
And of course unfortunately lots die while experimenting with breatholding but have no idea about freediving (kids experimenting for instance) . These deaths are sometimes attributed to freediving but have nothing to do with it.
And the last group i would say are freedivers that ignore the basic safety rules and dive alone anyway.

Blackouts DO happen and specialy in competition where people try to explore their limits. but when freediving the way you should and will learn in a good course namely with a very solid safety system and NEVER EVER alone, dying is very very very very unlikely.

So to contradict Bill : It is a very safe sport when practiced the way it should be practiced but lethal when not.