Diving Board Safety

Diving boards were once a very popular addition to family pools. However, in recent years, they have become less desirable. A lot of homeowners don’t like the fact that a diving board increases their insurance rates. Plus, diving boards require a deep end, which means having to commit to a larger pool. There’s also the fact that, if you’re not careful, diving boards can be a major safety hazard.  

If you’re one of the hold-outs, however, and have insisted on having your own diving board, then it’s important to use it with great care. Following these simple safety tips is an excellent start.

No Running Allowed

First things first, institute a “no running” rule for kids and adults alike. Yes, it can be tempting to run along the diving board and splash down into the water.

However, diving boards are wet, slippery surfaces. Running increases the chances of a diver falling and hitting their head, which could cause a concussion or lead to serious injury.

If no one is allowed to run at any time, then the risk of someone getting hurt is greatly reduced.

Use Your Hands

The “golden rule” of diving is to always dive with your hands out in front of you. This puts your body into a safer position for hitting the water and reduces your chances of slamming into the bottom or side of the pool. Educate those who use your pool on proper hand and body positioning and then enforce it!

For those who aren’t skilled divers and who haven’t mastered these techniques just yet, encourage feet-first jumping as an alternative to true diving.

Dive Off the End Only

Finally, make sure that everyone in your pool area dives only from the end of the diving board. Jumping off the sides might be fun, but it can prove dangerous.

Divers who leap off the sides could land in water that’s not deep enough, or they could catch themselves on the side of the board. For this reason, diving only from the right spot is the only acceptable choice.

Diving boards are never going to be 100% safe. There is always an element of risk involved. But, if you can follow and enforce these tips, you can at least make your board a whole lot safer.