Five Tips to Avoid Dangerous Diving

We’ve talked about the need for pool fences, and the risk of drinking while swimming… but let’s explore another serious hazard: dangerous diving.

Dangerous Diving Can Lead to Serious Injuries

When you’re jumping into the water, you should always be sure of the depth and what may be lurking beneath the surface. The risk increases greatly when you’re hopping in head first.

Diving into an Olympic-sized swimming pool is fine, but many residential pools are simply not built for people torpedoing into them. For one, they’re often quite shallow. That makes for dangerous diving conditions. According to a report from the American Institutes for Research, 57.2% of all swimming pool diving accidents occur in water four feet deep or shallower. On the other hand, only 4.8% of swimming pool diving accidents occur in water that is eight feet or deeper.

When you’re taking the proper precautions to avoid dangerous diving, diving can be lots of fun! Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your loved ones out of harm’s way.

Tip #1: Don’t Drink and Dive

Like we mentioned above, alcohol and swimming just don’t mix. In fact, more than half of all diving accidents involve the use of alcohol. Diving takes concentration and focus, so having your judgment impaired can really ramp up the danger. It’s much smarter to stay sober in the water. After all, you can always have a drink later.

Tip #2: Beware What Lies Beneath

You need to know what objects can be underneath the water’s surface. If you can’t see through the water, you definitely shouldn’t dive in. For one, it could be much more shallow than you’re expecting. For younger swimmers, make sure the water is a minimum of five feet deep. As you get older, heavier and taller, that minimum level should also increase along with the diver. Additionally, be absolutely sure that the area you’re leaping into is clear of other swimmers. Dangerous diving happens when people get reckless.

Tip #3: Only Dive Off a Diving Board

Where you’re diving can be just as important and how you’re diving. It’s important to be fully aware of your surroundings, so diving in a non-designated diving area can be risky. For this reason, always use a properly installed diving board. Though you can never be absolutely sure, this is usually a good sign that you’re in an area that is specifically designed for safe diving. This is a clear signal that diving is appropriate in the area.

Tip #4: Learn to Swim

Now, here’s a dangerous diving tip that applies to everyone who may be taking a dip: take swimming lessons! Don’t step into the water without proper training. For optimal safety, this step is required before diving even comes into question.

Tip #5: Take Diving Lessons

Finally, did you know that you can take lessons to learn correct diving technique? It’s true! These are often available in many of the same places where you can take swimming lessons. Knowing the proper diving technique and form will help to keep you much safer in the water.

So there you have it, diving can be tremendously fun. With the proper safety precautions and education, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of potential injury.

Now all that’s left to do is dive in!