The intention of this article is to bring an awareness to the diver regarding potential situations that they may face when using different facilities for practices and/or meets. The safety of the Sport speaks for itself. It is up to the diver and/or the coach to keep that record unblemished in the future.

Prevent an "OOPS!"

Anytime a diver or coach walks into a pool; there are a few things that must be considered before diving into the water. It only takes a few seconds to do some of the items suggested. The few seconds it takes to do these things is well worth the effort. The following may be obvious to the competitive diver but an awareness of these items is a must be before diving into any pool.

• Be aware of the pool depth. Do the depth markings match the pool where you normally practice? Is it deeper, the same or less deep? Certain adjustments must be made if it is shallower than your home pool. If you can't make the adjustments to the shallower depths then don't dive there.
• Is the water clear or cloudy? Can you see the bottom? If you can't see the bottom don't dive!
• Is the water level up to the existing gutter level? If not, the depth markings are not accurate. If the water level is a few inches lower than the gutter, that means you have those few inches less for maneuvering. Will that make a difference? Only the diver can tell.
• What does the pool bottom configuration look like? Is it the same depth all over or do some areas have a slope? If there are slopes, will you land in the deepest part of the pool or will it be necessary to make adjustments? If you are unsure, don't dive.
• Is there anything laying on the pool bottom? Tables and chairs can either be tossed or blown into the pool over night. Do not dive until those items are removed.
• While adjusting the fulcrum, make it a point to stabilize yourself by using the safety rails so that if your foot slips, you can still maintain you balance.
• Before making any decision to dive, always jump into the water feet first. It would be safest to suggest a standing jump with flat feet first. If the diver is comfortable with that then the approach and hurdle can be added. Once the diver feels confident that they can safely maneuver in that pool then a dive can be considered. For divers who swim the entries for a rip, it might be wise not to do this in shallower water because you lose the protection that the hands and arms provide for the head and neck. Consider the use of "Saves" because some steer you up while others create greater underwater deceleration.
• Is the board slightly up hill or down at the tip? This will affect how the hurdle step must be taken. A downhill board will have a tendency to toss the diver further out than normal. An uphill board will not toss the diver as far out. The hurdle and take-off must be adjusted to compensate for these slight variances. This would entail balance adjustments when going into the hurdle step and landing for take off. If you can't make those adjustments, don't dive.
• Are the diving board surfaces adequate for the diver? When wet, does the diver feel like the surface is a little slippery? It is crucial that the diving board end is not slippery. If uncertain, don't use that board. If there is no other board, don't dive.
• Do the boards make an unusual sound when bouncing? Does it move around when it is bouncing? Look and see if there is a bolt or bolts that are loose. If so relay that information to the coach or pool management. If it can't be rectified, don't use that board. If there aren't any other boards, don't dive.
• As you practice does the sound of the board change while it is bouncing on the fulcrum? If it does, then something may not be right. Call it to the attention of the coach or pool management. The most common reason for changes in sound is that a bolt or bolts may be loosening. Don't use that board until the problem is discovered.
• At the tip of the board, is one side lower than the other? Does the board sit toward one side of the fulcrum? Either of these situations will have a tendency to toss the diver a little to the side of the direct line of flight. In some pools there may be a slope toward one side. A suggestion would be to choose a board that tosses you toward the deepest side. If you can't make this adjustment, don't dive.
• For those that share the pool with the swimmers moving back and forth under the boards, make sure that there is plenty of room/ time for you to complete a dive before they are within range of your entry area. More crucial are the back take off dives. You must rely on someone with good instincts and sense of timing when swimmers are moving under the boards. If you are unsure or can't trust that individual, don't dive. You or a swimmer can be injured if you land on them. Always err on the side of caution.
• When the dive is over, swim to the side of the board so the next diver can see you. If you swim directly under the board, the next diver can't see you because the diving board blocks their view. Make sure you know where the diver before you is before you do your dive.
• Always climb ladders to the diving boards (3-meter) or tower with a hand over hand method using the stair rungs rather than the ladder piping. There is less chance of losing your grip. Pay close attention while climbing the ladders. It may prevent you from falling off or stubbing toes.
• Are the ladders sturdy? Are the stair rungs loose or slippery? If they are, call it to the attention of the coach or pool management.

SPECIAL NOTES:

Reference to diving boards characteristics such as slightly uphill or one side of the board being lower than the other are things that generally occur over a long period of time. Some of these characteristics occur because the entire deck of the pool may settle. This settling may be caused by weather conditions (Heavy rains that may erode dirt and clay under a concrete surface or ground movement that is caused by freeze/thaw cycles.) We are not talking huge changes in a board being level but more subtle changes that occur over years of use.

These are but a few of the things that a diver must be aware of in various pools. If the diver is uncomfortable with any of the above, then the decision should be not to dive there. This should be the decision regardless of whether there is a meet or just practice. This is the diver's decision to make and no one else. If there are any doubts, then do not dive.

Pools that divers use may meet various State codes and/or regulating bodies (NCAA, US Diving or the High School Federation) but not all of those depths are the same. We can find pools that are 10 to almost 20 feet deep. All are acceptable depths depending on who's rules you are following. Do not assume that all pools have the same depth. Spend a little time learning to adjust to the different environments. Your own personal safety is on the line. Don't take any unnecessary chances. You can not be replaced.

Sometimes these considerations occur when a diver goes to a summer diving camp. Most of these divers will be in a pool much deeper than their home pools. Making the adaptation to a deeper pool generally creates little difficulty in underwater maneuverability. A concern for adaptation may arise when that diver goes back to his/her shallower home pool. The space to maneuver will be smaller so certain adjustments must be made for safety sake. Divers do become lazy maneuvering in deep water. The major adjustment in the situation above should be to react quicker when entering a shallower depth. Divers have been making this type adjustment for years. This is just a reminder to continue that effort. It would be best if a diver could make these adjustments in their home pool before going to a pool with a shallower depth. That way the transition will be much easier for the diver.

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