The longest recorded time that a person has been submerged in water without oxygen and survived is about 22 minutes. This extraordinary case involved a young girl named Michelle Funk, who, at the age of two, fell into an icy creek in Utah in 1986. She was underwater for approximately 22 minutes before being pulled out by her mother. Despite the extended period without oxygen, Michelle Funk made a remarkable recovery with no severe long-term effects. Her survival is considered a rare and exceptional case.
It's worth noting that the ability to survive without oxygen for an extended period varies greatly among individuals and depends on several factors, including water temperature, the person's physical condition, and the availability of advanced medical care. Generally, the brain can only survive for a few minutes without oxygen before irreversible damage occurs. Immediate medical intervention, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and subsequent treatment, is crucial for improving the chances of survival in such situations.