Taking the plunge: diving risk practices and perceptions of New Zealand youth

In New Zealand, spinal cord injuries as a consequence of recreational diving have not been well investigated. From 1989-2004, 58 hospital admissions involved diving-related spinal injury. More than 70% were male and more than one-third (36%) were aged 10-19 years. Little is known, however, about the extent of risky diving beliefs and behaviours underpinning youth aquatic recreation.

A New Zealand-wide sample of 2,202 Year 11 students completed a written questionnaire under supervision during school time. Diving behaviours and safety attitudes were analysed using a range of sociodemographic variables including gender, socio-economic status and ethnicity.

Gender differences in risky behaviour and unsafe attitudes were pronounced, whereas the influence of socio-economic status and ethnic background were less evident. More females than males reported "never diving head first into water of unknown depth" (females 75%, males 59%). More males reported "diving head first knowing that the water was shallow" (males 25%, females 14%). More females disagreed that diving head first into shallow water was acceptable if you knew how to dive (females 82%, males 66%).

Males, students from low decile schools and of Maori and Pacific Island backgrounds were most likely to hold unsafe attitudes towards diving and report risky diving behaviours.