D
iving is a sport that almost everyone can enjoy, either as a participant or spectator. But, as with every other sport, injuries can spoil the fun for everyone. To get the most pleasure from diving and to avoid serious injuries, don’t take needless risks. As a pool owner, it is your responsibility to enforce these basic rules for safe diving. Diving equipment must be installed and used in accordance with equipment manufacturer instructions. If you have any questions or concerns with regard to the use of installation of diving equipment on your pool consult your dealer or equipment manufacturer.
Think Ahead.
Once you’ve started your dive, you don’t have time to think. Know the depth of the water, the configuration of the pool bottom, and the upslope. Plan your dive path. Never dive where you don’t know the water depth or where there may be hidden obstructions.
Steer Up.
Your extended arms and hands not only help you to steer up to the surface, they can also protect your head. If a diver’s head hits bottom, a major spinal cord injury to the neck and spine can result in paralysis. So always remember, head and hands up!
TIPS E FOR SAF DIVING
Control Your Dive.
Sometimes divers lose control through improper use of their hands and arms. Practice holding your arms extended, hands flat and tipped up. Like learning to swim or ride a bicycle, you must know how to make the right moves automatically. Carefully rehearse the proper diving techniques before you dive.
Entry—Diving and Sliding.
Do not allow any diving or headfirst entry into any pool unless you are sure the pool is designed for diving and meets all standards for diving pools. Verify that any installed equipment meets manufacturers’ specifications. For additional information on current standards, see ANSI/APSP/ ICC-5. Consult the diving board manufacturer, your pool builder, or a local PHTA member if you have any doubts. Do not allow diving into a pool, or any part of a pool, that is not deep enough for diving. It is recommended that “No Diving” signs be placed at all areas of the pool where diving is not appropriate. Never dive into a non-diving pool. Nondiving pools are not deep enough for you to dive safely, and you may be seriously injured. Your first entry into a pool should be feet first, so you can determine water depth and pool configuration. Headfirst entry into the water can lead to very serious, life-threatening accidents. The primary danger for divers or headfirst sliders is serious spinal injury. They may hit their heads against the bottom or side of the pool, or against some object or person. Injuries to the spinal cord may cause temporary or permanent paralysis or death. Never use alcohol or drugs while diving or swimming.
Members of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) are committed to the safe use and enjoyment of pools, spas, and hot tubs, and adhere to a code of business ethics. To maximize your enjoyment, work with a PHTA member firm. To locate a PHTA member in your area, visit phta.org/find-a-professional
PLAN YOUR DIVE
For more free consumer safety information, visit: www.PHTA.org www.PoolSafely.gov www.CDC.gov/healthywater/swimming www.NDPA.org
Steer Up for a safe dive.
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5566ND
When you dive, you must be ready to steer up. As you enter the water, your arms must be extended over your head, hands flat and aiming up. Hold your head up and arch your back. This way, your whole body helps you steer up, away from the bottom. Plan a shallow dive, immediately steering up. Don’t try the straight vertical-entry dives you see in competitions. These dives take a long time to slow down, and must be done only after careful training and in pools designed for competitive diving.
Head and Hands Up.
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