I'm new at competing and just went to my second meet where the entire pool was only 4ft deep. I didn't know how to dive properly. I came within inches of the bottom each time, and then when I tried to sdk for power and momentum I kicked the bottom with my feet and lost efficiency trying to get up and out on top. Plus, when trying to do the kick out, on breaststroke, at turns, I didn't have the room to use my strength and power to do it properly, I felt constrained.
What do the rest of you do?
Parents
Former Member
You must learn how to dive appropriately and competently under the circumstances.
I have seen a swimmer hit the bottom and fracture vertebra in his neck. He was fortunate and survived with no paralysis, but he had surgery (fused part of his neck) and gave up at least year of swimming when he was ready for a college scholarship instead. Very ruinous for him.
At the time the kid was in 3'6" water and the water was exactly at 3'6" legal limit. Since then, the depth minimum has increased.
If you do not feel comfortable, in Masters you can do a deck start (not off the blocks) or an in-water start. But please, learn how in deeper water...
Yeah the minimum now is 4 feet. Also there was a rule put in this year that requires 6 feet of depth when teaching someone how to dive.
You must learn how to dive appropriately and competently under the circumstances.
I have seen a swimmer hit the bottom and fracture vertebra in his neck. He was fortunate and survived with no paralysis, but he had surgery (fused part of his neck) and gave up at least year of swimming when he was ready for a college scholarship instead. Very ruinous for him.
At the time the kid was in 3'6" water and the water was exactly at 3'6" legal limit. Since then, the depth minimum has increased.
If you do not feel comfortable, in Masters you can do a deck start (not off the blocks) or an in-water start. But please, learn how in deeper water...
Yeah the minimum now is 4 feet. Also there was a rule put in this year that requires 6 feet of depth when teaching someone how to dive.
