(HealthDay News) -- Reckless diving can lead to serious injury, including permanent paralysis.

To stay safe, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises:

  • Never dive in shallow water.
  • Only one person at a time on the diving board.
  • Do not dive into murky water. Make sure you can see the bottom in the deepest area of the pool.
  • Ensure the diving area is deep enough to dive safely.
  • Never run down the diving board or bounce more than once.
  • Dive off the end of the board, and don't try to dive far out into the pool.
  • Once you hit the water, swim away quickly so you're out of the next diver's way.