Central Texans love to beat the summer heat by hitting some of our beloved lakes, rivers and pools. From Hamilton Pool to Barton Springs to Lake Austin to our community pools, there are plenty of options.
We most often hear about swim safety tips from drowning prevention. But diving accidents can be just as devastating. And with our record-low lake levels, swimmers need to use proper diving safety as well. Experts see more cases of spinal cord injuries in summer months than any other time of year And the consequences can be life changing, including paralysis or even death.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 1,700 spinal cord injuries result from diving accidents every year and about 6,000 young people under the age of 14 are hospitalized because of a diving injury.
Think before you jump. Five safety tips to follow.
- Always jump in feet first
- Be aware of depths and sand bar locations
- Never dive in the shallow end of the pool
- Never dive into above-ground pools
- Never dive through water toys like inner tubes
Click here to read myths and facts about safe diving from the Foundation for Aquatic Injury Prevention.
Have a question? Ask us on Facebook or Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic).
