As we start the long Labor Day weekend, many will be taking to the water for boating or swimming one last time. Physicians at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha are urging everyone to take extra precautions especially when in shallow water. Dr. Peter Lennarson is a brain and spine surgeon and says every year, people suffer severe injuries due to diving in shallow water.
“It continues to be a problem. We see diving accidents in pools and in lakes and rivers where it’s a little more understandable in the sense that at least around here, you can’t see the bottom and people can’t see what they’re diving into.”
Dr. Lennarson says the type of injuries varies.
“These can be anything from minor injuries to def. life changing injuries resulting from paralysis or someone who’s paralyzed in the water may die, may drown.”
Dr. Lennarson says water levels change.
“It’s really important to see what you’re diving into. Even if you did it last year and it was OK, it may not be the same this year.”
Dr. Lennarson says many times alcohol is involved with these type of injuries.
