The sport of diving has an exemplary record when it comes to safety. Why is this? Divers and coaches have placed a premium on safety! In order that each diver reach their potential and have an exciting and fun experience, they must to be able to practice in a safe training environment.
Each time a competitive diver steps onto a springboard during practice he or she should follow three simple rules to ensure the safety of themselves and their teammates.
1. Check the Water Before Diving
Always make sure that the diver before you has made it to the side of the pool and is out of way before proceeding with a dive. The last thing a diver wants to happen is to go off the diving board and land on another diver. Obviously, this can be as devastating for the diver going off the board as the one who is in the water. So once you have finished your dive, swim to the side of the pool once you come to the surface.2. One Diver on the Board at a Time
Diving boards were meant for one person at a time! You may have heard this a million times and for good reason. Nothing good can happen if two people are on the board at the same time. Not only is this a safety issue but it can slow an efficient practice down to a snails pace. Be patient, and wait until the diver before you finishes his or her dive. Then get ready for your turn.3. Focus on the Dive
Once you are on the springboard, concentrate on diving! There is always time to talk to your friends, but standing on the diving board prior to a dive is not one of them. Diving is a difficult sport that requires concentration, and the more time a diver spends socializing or engaging in “horseplay” while on the diving board, less time is spent focusing on executing a dive to the best of your ability.
