There are few things more fun, relaxing, and refreshing than taking a dip in a pool during the hot summer months. Whether it’s a community pool or one in your own backyard, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy swimming. One of the most popular things to do in a pool is diving, but it’s important to do so safely. Improper diving can lead to a whole mess of problems, so learning how to safely dive like a pro is key. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Getting the Form Down
A big part of improper diving comes down to bad form. While it might seem easy at first glance, there’s a bit of technique in a proper dive that you should learn before trying it. While there’s a number of diving techniques you can try out to improve yourself, the most basic way to dive into a pool while standing is as follows: Stand up straight at the edge of the pool with one foot slightly ahead of the other. Place your arms above your head with your hands touching, then bend forward while raising your back leg. If done properly, you should glide right into the water.
Check Your Depth
Technique is all well and good, but what are you going to do when there’s not enough water to execute proper diving form? Messing up this step can lead to long-term spine injuries from hitting the hard cement floor, so it’s extra important to check the depth of a pool before you go diving headfirst into it. Anyone diving headfirst into a pool should only do so if there are at least nine feet of water below. Many pools will have their depth markings either around the edge or along the walls inside the pool. If you can’t find any, though, it’s easy to measure it with a yardstick or to just ask a lifeguard or the pool’s owner.
Don’t Swim Alone
Even if you do everything right, there’s still a possibility something could go wrong. That’s why, above all else, you should always have someone else at the pool with you for safety. Whether that’s a lifeguard or just another swimmer, you’re dramatically increasing your chances of surviving through an injury or near-drowning if you have someone with you.
Diving into a pool is a ton of fun, but being safe makes it even more fun. Nobody wants to have a tragic accident happen while playing in the pool. Remember to follow these and other safety precautions this summer when you’re splashing around in the water.