The idea of jumping from a diving board into cool, refreshing water sounds thrilling. Most of us would want to give it a go too. But lately, these diving boards are becoming less and less popular in local pools. Is there a reason for that?
Diving boards may be fun, but they are also extremely dangerous. An average of 6500 teens end up in the hospital each year due to diving board-related injuries. Diving boards can also prove to be fatal at times. Most of these injuries are either caused by improper use of the diving board or a lack of proper installation.
Keep reading if you want to understand the risks involved in the activity before diving into it.
How Do Diving Boards Function?
The diver typically stands at the board’s edge, facing the water, and pushes down on it three times. A specific rhythm needs to be maintained. Once the board is bent downwards, the diver stops putting the pressure, releasing their body into the water along with the board’s momentum.
To learn how to dive correctly, watch the video below.
What Makes The Diving Board Dangerous?
Now that you know how they work, it is easier to understand why this activity involves risks.
Injuries Can Be Caused By Improper Use
Jumping off a diving board may seem easy, but it requires a specific technique. There needs to be a lot of balance. A person is always at risk of falling or slipping off. They might also be unable to jump far enough to fall into the water body or end up hitting their head on the edge of the pool.
Not An Activity That Is Suitable For Everyone
Splashing into the water is not always as fun as it looks. Your body hits the water’s surface at a very high speed; if the body is not positioned right, this can be very painful, especially for people who already deal with body and joint aches or are more sensitive to injury.
Can Be Very Dangerous For Children
Your child may want to copy the adults and jump off the diving board. But children lack the expertise to perform the dive and may seriously injure themselves.
There Is Always Room For Manufacturing Error
Diving boards are typically made of resin and plastic. The material can break off if too much weight is put onto it. There may be other issues with installation that might pose a risk for divers and add to the danger.
Are There Ways To Avoid Injury?
If you still want to go ahead and take the risk, certain precautions need to be taken. Always get proper training first, and never jump off a board higher than your comfort level. When diving off it, it is also important to be alone on the board.
The Bottom Line
The sport is a dangerous one. Many variables involved add to the risk of injury, and a person who lacks expertise should generally avoid it. However, the risk does not take away from thrill-seekers’ desire to jump off.
If you decide to go ahead with it, ensure to take proper precautions for safety.
