Diving Safety: Look Before You Leap
Diving Do's and Don'ts
Do's
- Dive with a buddy
- Allow for at least 25 feet of diving space.
- Check the water depth before you dive.
Don'ts
- Don't dive from ledges, decks, balconies or rooftops.
- Don't drink and dive Alcohol or drugs can affect your dive.
- Don't dive at or through objects such as pool floats or inner tubes.
May 2002 -- Water is a key ingredient to summer fun. Pools, oceans, lakes, canals and the local swimming hole are all great places to keep cool. But before you jump straight into summer, take a minute to think about diving safety.
Almost 1,000 disabling head, neck and back injuries occur each year as a result of diving headfirst into water that is too shallow or has trash or other hazards hidden underneath. To stay safe this summer, follow these diving safety guidelines.
Plan Your Dive
Prevention makes for good diving safety. Wade in or ask how deep the water is before you dive - 90 percent of diving injuries happen in less than 6 feet of water. It is also important to check for hazards in the water before you dive in. These can include rocks, tree branches, trash and other items that can cause serious injury.
Additionally, don't dive if the water isn't clear enough for you to see hidden dangers at the bottom. This includes unlighted swimming pools, murky water and even crashing waves at the beach.
Feet First: First Time, Every Time
When diving into water that you have never been in before, always jump in feet first the first time. Do this each time you visit that particular body of water. This reduces the risk of injury to your head and neck. But remember, the best way to prevent injury is to always check the water for depth and underwater hazards before you dive in.
Following diving safety rules can prevent accidents from ruining a fun summer. Start teaching water safety at an early age. Memorial Hospital West Fitness & Rehabilitation Center offers swimming classes for children from 6 months to 9 years old. To find out more, call (954) 844-7125.