Neuroscience For Kids

Diving and Head Injuries
August 20, 2008

Let's go over some rules for the pool:

Walk, don't run.
No pushing.
Wear sunscreen.
Know your limits.
Be careful when you dive.

The last rule about diving is important when you consider the high number of diving injuries. Researchers at Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital (Columbus, OH) estimate that hospital emergency departments see an average of 6,549 diving injuries each year to people younger than 20 years old. The head and neck (38.2% of all injuries) and face (27% of all injuries) were the most common body areas injured. Other findings from the study:

• Children 10-14 years old had the most injuries (36.3%).
• Summer months (June through August) are when most of the injuries (77.8%) occurred.
• Cuts (33.9%) and soft tissue injuries (24.3%) were the most common types of injuries.
• 4.7% of the injuries resulted in a stay at a hospital.
• Contacting a diving board or platform caused 43.9% of the injuries.
• Boys were 1.9 times more likely than girls to suffer a head/neck injury.

So, for the rest of the summer, have fun, but be safe in and out of the water. When you dive:

1. Make sure the water is deep enough and clear of obstacles such as rocks.
2. Swim when a lifeguard is around.
3. Swim with a buddy.
4. Know how to dive properly and take lessons if you need them.

References and further information:

• Day, C., Stolz, U., Mehan, T.J., Smith, G.A. and McKenzie, L.B., Diving-related injuries in children <20 years old treated in emergency departments in the United States: 1990-2006. Pediatrics, 122: e388-394, 2008.
• Brain Fitness - Neuroscience for Kids

Copyright © 1996-2008, Eric H. Chudler, University of Washington