6% of spinal cord injuries are caused by reckless diving, most often from diving headfirst into shallow pools

ASPAYM Illes Balears presents once again the campaign Diving: not headfirst, but with your head, an awareness initiative aimed at preventing spinal cord injuries in the water during the summer season. Especially targeted at young people and teenagers, it seeks to reduce the number of avoidable accidents at beaches, pools, and swimming areas.

According to data from the National Hospital for Paraplegics, three spinal cord injuries due to diving were recorded in Spain in 2024, all of them in males between the ages of 25 and 55, with severe cervical injuries. Two of the cases resulted in complete tetraplegia. In 2023, seven injuries were reported, showing a decrease, although the figures still underscore the need for preventive campaigns.

“A reckless dive can change a life in seconds. The best spinal cord injury is the one that never happens,” says Dr. Alcobendas, director of the National Hospital for Paraplegics.

ASPAYM Baleares emphasizes the importance of knowing the depth before diving, entering the water feet first the first time, and avoiding alcohol consumption during aquatic activities as key measures to prevent this type of accident.

The president of the National ASPAYM Federation, Mayte Gallego, stresses the importance of staying alert:

“Diving headfirst without knowing the bottom can have irreversible consequences. Always with hands first and with your head.”

Five keys to safe diving:

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  1. Know the depth before diving.

  2. Enter with caution, preferably feet first.

  3. Constant supervision of children and teenagers.

  4. Avoid alcohol while swimming.

  5. Get informed and educated about safe diving areas.

The campaign, launched nationally in 2014 by the Hospital for Paraplegics, SERMEF, Spanish Red Cross, the Royal Federation of Lifesaving and Rescue, and ASPAYM, is adapted to the Balearic context with outreach actions, awareness-raising activities, and media dissemination.

In case of a diving accident:

  • Never move the injured person.

  • Call emergency services immediately.

  • Stay calm and wait for professional help.

With this campaign, ASPAYM Baleares reinforces its commitment to water safety and injury prevention, reminding everyone that enjoying summer responsibly also means taking care of our health.