The Prevention Plan

(HealthDay News) -- Diving into water that's too shallow can lead to a spinal cord injury, permanent brain damage and even death, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns.

The academy offers this list of safe diving practices:

• Always check to see how deep the water is by initially entering feet-first.
• Above-ground pools usually are not deep enough for diving, so never dive into that type of pool.
• Never dive into the shallower end of a pool.
• Don't dive through inner tubes or other toys.
• Take a class to learn proper diving.