Community

Man Dies After Competing to Hold Breath Underwater in Salinas

Published Jul 19, 2026, 10:03 AM ASTvia Primera Hora

Why this matters: For the community in Salinas, this incident highlights the importance of water safety and the risks of engaging in dangerous activities, especially for older adults.

An 82-year-old man, José A. Flores, died after participating in a competition to see who could hold their breath underwater the longest, near the Polita beach pier in Salinas. According to preliminary police information, Flores and a woman were in the water when they decided to compete to see who could hold their breath the longest.

The woman reported that Flores surfaced first, and she did the same. However, Flores then walked to the shore and jumped back into the water, where he remained unresponsive, face down. Bystanders pulled him out of the water and administered first aid.

Paramedics from Emergencias Médicas Estatal treated Flores and took him to SurMed hospital in Salinas, where he was pronounced dead. The case is being investigated by the Cuerpo de Investigaciones Criminales (CIC) and the prosecutor on duty, with Agent López handling the preliminary investigation.

In context (787daily, from public data)

  • Salinas

    25,079Census estimate, 2020–20241841Founded69.4 sq mi (179.8 km²)Area
SourcePrimera Hora

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