As we near Memorial Day, people in Central New York are opening their backyard pools, getting ready to head to the lakes and find refreshment in public pools. There’s no more fun way to cool down on a hot day than a nice swim in cool water. The specialists at the SOS Spine Center remind the community, that a day of fun can quickly turn dangerous if swimmers choose to dive improperly. Diving injuries take place in swimming pools, lakes, rivers, creeks, swimming holes and just about any water environment.
In 2012, 25,522 diving injuries were treated in emergency rooms, doctors’ offices and clinics. Additionally, swimming and diving injuries are most common among children, 17 or younger. Injuries are frequently to the neck, head and back, and can range from simple cuts and bruises to broken noses to fractured necks to spinal cord injury causing paralysis to death by drowning. These statistics can be lowered if swimmers follow these guidelines from the AAOS.
How to avoid a diving injury:
- The best way is to ALWAYS enter the water feet first.
- Never dive into the shallow end of a pool or an above ground pool.
- Never dive into water that is not clear, such as a lake or ocean, because there are often hidden objects in these bodies of water
- Avoid alcohol when you’re swimming
- Realize that when you dive, your body is a torpedo cutting through the water and that water may not protect you from a severe impact.
- Just because you used to dive somewhere does not make it safe. You may have grown and underwater surfaces may have shifted.
- Some injuries are caused by hitting the far side of a pool or swimming hole. Depth is not the only thing to be concerned about.
- Only one person at a time should stand on a diving board. Dive only off the end of the board and do not run on the board. Do not try to dive far out or bounce more than once. Swim away from the board immediately afterward to make room for the next diver.
Should you or someone you’re with be hurt while diving, immediately assess the injury. If it is life threatening, immediately call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. For non-life threatening injuries, the specialists at the SOS Spine Center can assess injuries and determine the best course of treatment.
Call us at 315-251-3100 or schedule an appointment online.
