We all know diving is a fun activity – and it’s super impressive – but did you know it could also result in serious injuries?
To help you know what to and not to do when it comes to diving, here are the do’s and don’ts of diving:
DIVING DO’S
Ensure that the shape and depth of the pool bottom are suitable for diving. The water should be at least five feet deep, and there should be no danger of anyone hitting the sides of the pool.
Put warning signs in areas where the water isn’t deep enough for diving and ensure that they are never obscured, covered or removed.
Practice the proper techniques, such as hand and arm position, and be ready to steer up from the bottom upon entry.
Take diving lessons and encourage other users of your pool to the same.
Plan your dive path and make sure it’s clear of all obstructions.
Conduct your first entry into the pool feet-first to gauge water depth and pool configuration.
Make sure that only one person is using the diving board or diving area at a time.
Understand minimum depth for safe diving, which is at least five feet for young swimmers and more for anyone older.
Keep your dives simple – many backyard pools aren’t designed for “fancy” dives or back dives.
DIVING DON’TS
Don’t allow diving in an aboveground pool, ever. Diving in an aboveground pool is not safe.
Don’t jump in head-first when entering the pool from areas not designated for diving.
Don’t dive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Don’t dive alone.
Don’t allow horseplay on or near diving equipment.
Don’t run and dive or dive across the narrow part of the pool.
Don’t dive from any elevation, such as roofs, walls, fences or balconies.
Don’t dive through pool toys, such as inflatables or inner tubes, as you could misjudge your aim and get injured.
When you follow the proper precautions for diving, you’re sure to enjoy the pool and still impress all your friends!
