Diving Injuries Media Tips:

9/4/2024

Diving injuries, particularly head and neck injuries, are a significant risk when diving into water. These injuries often result from diving into shallow water or unfamiliar areas. Here are some essential safety tips to prevent diving injuries:

1. Check the Depth of Water: Always ensure that the water is deep enough before diving. A depth of at least 9 feet is generally recommended for safe diving.

2. Know the Water Conditions: Only dive into water when you are familiar with its depth and any underwater obstacles (such as rocks, logs, or debris). Avoid diving in unfamiliar or murky water.

3. Enter Feet First: For unfamiliar water, always enter feet first. This reduces the risk of head and neck injuries.

4. Use Diving Boards Safely: If using a diving board, ensure it is in good condition and positioned above deep water. Follow all posted rules at pools and facilities.

5. Never Dive in Shallow Water: Diving into shallow water can cause severe spinal cord injuries. Always verify water depth before diving.

6. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Alcohol and drug use impair judgment and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of injury while diving.

7. Supervise Young Swimmers: Ensure that adolescents and inexperienced swimmers are supervised and educated on the dangers of improper diving.

8. Practice Safe Diving Techniques: When diving, ensure your arms are extended overhead to protect your head and neck. Always dive at a safe angle rather than straight down.

References:

1. American Red Cross – Offers water safety tips and diving safety information. [American Red Cross Water Safety] (https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/typesof-emergencies/water-safety.html)

2. CDC: Water-Related Injuries – Provides data and safety recommendations regarding diving injuries. [CDC Water Safety (https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/watersafety/diving.html)

3. Spinal Cord Injury Network – Information on preventing spinal cord injuries related to diving. [Spinal Cord Injury Prevention] (https://www.spinalcord.org/diving-injury-prevention/) These tips and resources will help minimize the risk of diving-related injuries and promote water safety.