Diving Prevention

The only safe dive is the one you never take

Someone decides to dive into the water, resulting in a life-altering injury. It’s easy, that quick, and it’s that common. It’s also one of the most preventable causes of spinal cord injuries. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, diving is the fifth leading cause of spinal cord injury for men and women. These injuries occur in all types of water environments, including swimming pools, lakes, rivers, creeks, and swimming holes.

Diving injury prevention tips

Follow these essential tips to reduce your risk of injury:

• Always enter the water feet first.
• Never dive into shallow water—even in pools. Some injuries occur by hitting the far side of a pool or swimming hole, so depth isn’t the only risk factor.
• Be mindful of hidden objects in lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.
• Avoid alcohol while swimming or diving. It impairs judgment and increases the risk of injury.
• Remember, your body acts like a torpedo when diving. Water will not protect you from a severe impact if you hit an object or the bottom.
• Conditions change over time. A spot you used to dive in might no longer be safe due to shifts in underwater surfaces or other environmental factors.

Diving injury statistics

Diving injury PSA