Diving is a common activity in swimming pools across America. While diving into pools can be fun and thrilling, it is the 5th leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States. Diving can be dangerous if the proper precautions aren’t taken. It is vital to understand the risks associated with diving into pools.
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), diving accounts for about 4.7% to 7.2% of all spinal cord injuries. In the case of diving injuries, young people are disproportionately represented. Most diving-related spinal cord injuries occur amongst males under the age of 30. Additionally, about 80% of all diving-related spinal injuries occur in males, which is likely due to high-risk behavior and diving in unsafe conditions. Most diving-related spinal cord injuries occur in water that is less than 4 feet deep. Just over half of spinal cord injuries caused by diving occur in swimming pools, with the rest occurring in lakes, rivers, and oceans where the depth is unclear. Alarmingly, over 60% of diving-related SCIs result in quadriplegia, which is paralysis of all four limbs. These injuries are typically permanent and life-altering.
There are several reasons why young people are at a greater risk of diving injuries than the rest of the population. Young people tend to underestimate risks and partake in risky behavior; these tendencies can lead to serious, life-changing injuries. Young people may also be influenced by peer pressure in social settings. Peer pressure can cause young individuals to engage in dangerous behavior they aren’t comfortable with. Lack of proper supervision and diving into shallow water are prominent reasons for diving injuries. Common diving scenarios that lead to SCIs include diving into shallow pools, jumping or flipping off rocks, docks, or diving boards, alcohol involvement at pool parties, and night swimming with poor visibility.
When diving headfirst into shallow water, individuals may strike their head on the pool floor or another hard surface. The impact on the head area compresses the cervical spine (neck area), often leading to fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae in the neck. Trauma to the cervical spine can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. The types of injuries sustained from diving accidents include complete spinal cord injuries (SCIs), incomplete SCIs, and burst or compression fractures. A complete SCI results in the full loss of sensory and motor function below the injury site. In the case of incomplete SCIs, the remaining function depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment available. There are numerous immediate and long-term effects of diving injuries, including loss of mobility and sensation, loss of bowel control, and loss of autonomy.
To prevent diving injuries, always dive feet first to test the depth before diving headfirst. Avoid alcohol while swimming or diving. Check the water depth and only dive in areas explicitly displayed as “safe for diving.” Remember that one dive can change a life forever. Exercise caution while diving and be well aware of the risks.